2024-10-11 15:00:00
Eggs are an exceptional source of nutrition, packed with protein, vitamin B12 and choline. Most of the fats they contain are unsaturated fats which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Healthy people can even include eggs in a healthy diet. Additionally, a carotenoid found in eggs called lutein may be linked to eye health benefits, including reducing the risk of macular degeneration.
However, unlike many other foods, it can be difficult to know when eggs are expired. Determining whether your eggs are still safe to eat is an important step in avoiding food poisoning. Eating spoiled eggs can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. In the most severe cases, it can even lead to hospitalization or long-term health problems.
It is therefore essential to know the signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant odor, discoloration or strange texture, to ensure that the food you consume is safe.
Here are 5 ways to check the freshness of your eggs:
Smell the eggs
One of the methods to check the freshness of an egg is the smell test. Crack the egg onto a clean white plate, making sure to keep the yolk intact. Take the time to smell the egg. Fresh eggs have a subtle, barely perceptible odor. If the egg gives off a strong, unpleasant odor, this is a clear sign that it has gone bad and should not be eaten. This test is useful because it allows you to directly examine the contents of the egg, ensuring that there are no internal signs of spoilage.
Examine the eggs
The visual inspection method can also be used to determine the freshness of eggs. Before cracking an egg, carefully examine its shell for detect any traces of cracks, viscosity or powdery residue. These are all signs of bacterial growth or damage to the egg.
After cracking the egg, inspect the white and yolk. Fresh eggs will have a bright yolk and a thick, cloudy white that stays close to the yolk. If the yolk appears flattened and the white is thin and watery, this is a sign that the egg is old and perhaps not safe to eat.
Check expiration date
In addition to these convenient methods, a simple and effective way to determine if eggs are expired is to check the expiration date listed on the package. Most egg cartons have a “sell by” or “best before” date that can serve as a guide for consumption. Although eggs can often remain fresh for a short time beyond this date, it provides a useful first benchmark.
It is important to remember that this date is not the only indicator of freshnessbut when used in conjunction with the methods described above, it can help ensure that the eggs you consume are safe and fresh.
Do the water test
Anecdotally, testing the water can help determine if your eggs are expired. Fill a bowl with cold water and carefully place your eggs in it. Proponents of this method claim that fresh eggs will sink to the bottom of the bowl and lay flat on their side, indicating that they are safe to consume. On the other hand, eggs that float on the surface would likely be expired and should not be eaten.
However, each egg has an air pocket. It is found just under the shell, usually on the large end of the egg, formed when the inner and outer membranes separate shortly after laying. It is not true that freshness can be judged by placing an egg in plain water.
Check egg viscosity
One of the most obvious signs that an egg is expired is the presence of stickiness. A slimy feeling may indicate bacterial growth, and, regardless of color, powdery spots that come off on the hand may indicate the presence of mold.
When cracking an egg, pay close attention to the consistency of the white and yolk. A fresh egg will have a firm yolk and a thick, gelatinous white. If, instead, you find that the yolk breaks easily or the white seems thin and slippery, going so far as to feel slimy, that’s a clear sign of spoilage. Additionally, if any part of the egg feels sticky or gooey to the touch, this may be a sign that bacteria has started to grow, making the egg unsafe to eat.
Egg shelf life
Eggs have a longer shelf life than many other perishable foods, but their exact freshness can vary. In general, eggs can last for about three to five weeks in the refrigerator. This period begins on the date of packaging, not necessarily the date of purchase. It’s essential to store your eggs in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually on a shelf and not in the door, to maintain their freshness for as long as possible.
Storing eggs in airtight containers or in their original carton can also help protect them from strong odors and flavors from other foods in the refrigerator. It’s important to note that hard-boiled eggs have a shorter shelf life than raw eggs, usually about a week if properly refrigerated and stored in a covered container.
As long as they are properly refrigerated (at 7°C or below), raw shell eggs are safe to use in a recipe four to five weeks beyond the carton’s Julian date (the date the eggs were packed in the carton, expressed in consecutive days of the year).
What to do if you ate an expired egg?
If you’ve accidentally eaten a spoiled egg, there are several signs to watch for that could indicate food poisoning. Symptoms may include:
Stomach crampsNauseaVomitingDiarrheaFeverHeadache
These symptoms can appear a few hours to several days after consuming contaminated food. At home, it is important to stay hydrated, especially if you experience vomiting or diarrhea. Drink plenty of water and try to get some rest. Over-the-counter remedies can help relieve some symptoms, but it is essential not to use them excessively without medical advice.
In cases where symptoms are severe or persistent, lasting more than 24 hours, or if you have a high fever, blood in the stools, signs of dehydration or prolonged vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down, consult a doctor promptly. health professional. Food poisoning can be serious, and in some cases medical intervention may be necessary to prevent more serious health consequences.
If in doubt, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. Prevention is better than cure!
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