Have you ever found yourself unsure about the freshness of eggs while adding them to a recipe? Eggs can be tricky to judge since their shells conceal the condition of the white and yolk. But don’t worry—we’ve got some simple methods to help you determine if an egg is fresh, and we’ll also share tips on reducing food waste related to eggs.

When you buy eggs from the supermarket, they always come with a recommended use-by date on the packaging. If you purchase eggs directly from a henhouse, the use-by date won’t be marked, but they should be consumed within 28 days of the laying date.

Even if the shells are intact and not cracked, you can store eggs in the refrigerator for up to one month past the recommended use-by date, which is typically 58 days after the eggs were laid. Proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness, preventing mold, and reducing food waste. Always keep eggs refrigerated to avoid any health risks.

Like any other fresh product, eggs can develop an unpleasant odor if they have expired. If you’re unsure about an egg’s freshness, start by giving it a sniff. Expired eggs often emit a foul smell and should not be eaten, as they may have lost their nutritional value and could taste unpleasant. If the egg smells normal, you can still use it, perhaps by quickly making an omelette or other dish.

Your eyes can also help you assess whether an egg is still good. Examine the shell carefully—if it appears powdery, sticky, cracked, or damaged, it could indicate mold. Additionally, when you crack the egg into a bowl, any strange discoloration in the egg white or yolk—such as blue, pink, black, or green—may signal that the egg has gone bad.

If you are still unsure, simply fill a bowl with cold tap water and gently place the eggs in it. Fresh eggs will sink to the bottom and lay flat on one side. If an egg floats, it means it has gone bad due to the large air cell that forms at the base as the egg ages. Any eggs that float should be discarded.