Tip for Checking Freshness of Eggs, #3

Finally, a method for checking freshness that doesn't destroy the long term viability of the egg....

Hold up the egg vertically to a strong light to see if there is a space at the top end.

The yolk should be suspended in about the center of the white.

However, the smaller the space at the top end, the fresher the egg.

By strong light, they mean very strong light.

Tip for Checking Freshness of Eggs, #2

Shake egg gently near your ear.

A stale egg has a rattling or gurgling sound.

This in another test that should be done just prior to using the egg. As stated in Tip for Keeping Eggs Fresh, #1, shaking and other rough handling can cause the membrane between the yolk and the white to rupture which will cause the yolk to seep into the white and speed spoiling.

Tip for Checking Freshness of Eggs, #1

Drop an egg carefully into a deep saucepan full of cold water.

If the egg sinks to the bottom at once and lies on its side, it is fresh.

If the egg sways about on one end, nearly upright but still in the water, it is not fresh but still usable.

If the egg bobs promptly to the surface and floats, it is spoiled.

Note that since you should not wash the eggs if you want to store them (as said stated in Tip for Keeping Eggs Fresh, #2), you should only perform this test just prior to using the eggs.