How to Tell if Your Eggs are Truly Fresh

Fresh eggs are one of nature’s best gifts, especially when they come from organic, pasture-raised chickens. At JMZ Farms, we pride ourselves on delivering the freshest eggs to our customers. But how can you be sure that your eggs are as fresh as they can be? Today, we’re going to teach you a few simple methods to check the freshness of your eggs at home.

Why Freshness Matters

Fresh eggs not only taste better, but they also have a firmer texture and hold up better in cooking and baking. The freshness of an egg can affect everything from how well it whips up into meringue to the quality of your morning scramble.

The Float Test: A Simple Way to Check Freshness

One of the most popular and easy ways to test the freshness of an egg is the float test.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Fill a Bowl with Water: Start by filling a bowl with cold water deep enough to completely submerge the egg.

2. Gently Place the Egg in the Water: Carefully place your egg in the water and watch what happens.

3. Observe the Egg’s Behavior:

   1. Sinks to the Bottom and Lays Flat: Congratulations! Your egg is very fresh. Enjoy it at its peak quality.

   2. Sinks but Stands Upright: Your egg is still good to eat, but it’s not as fresh as it could be. Use these eggs soon, preferably for baking or boiling.

   3. Floats to the Top: Unfortunately, this egg is no longer fresh and should be discarded. Over time, the air cell inside the egg grows, causing it to float.

The Shake Test: Another Quick Method

Another method to test your eggs is the shake test. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hold the Egg Up to Your Ear: Gently shake the egg while holding it close to your ear.

2. Listen for Sound:

   1. No Sound or Very Little Movement: This indicates a fresh egg with a small air cell.

   2. Sloshing Sound: If you hear a sloshing sound, it means the egg is older. The contents have started to break down, and it’s best not to use it.

Visual and Tactile Inspection

You can also tell a lot about an egg’s freshness by looking at it:

1. Crack Open the Egg: On a clean, flat surface, crack open the egg.

2. Check the Yolk and Whites:

   1. Firm Yolk and Thick Whites: A fresh egg will have a firm, round yolk and thick, gel-like egg whites that don't spread much.

   2. Flat Yolk and Runny Whites: As the egg ages, the yolk flattens and the egg whites become watery and spread out more.

3. Inspect the Shell: Fresh eggs tend to have a rougher, chalkier shell. An older egg will have a smoother shell and may even feel slightly slimy, which is a sign of deterioration.

Storing Eggs Properly

To maintain the freshness of your eggs, store them in the coldest part of your refrigerator, preferably in the original carton to protect them from absorbing strong odors. Avoid storing eggs in the refrigerator door, where temperatures can fluctuate.

At JMZ Farms, we’re committed to providing you with the freshest, highest-quality eggs.

By using these simple tests, you can ensure that your eggs are fresh and ready to enhance your meals. Whether you’re frying up a quick breakfast or baking a delicious dessert, fresh eggs make all the difference.

Have you tried these tests at home? Let us know how they worked for you and share your experience with other customers in the comments below!