The Egg Float Test: A Simple Way to Check the Freshness of Your Eggs

If you have a flock of backyard chickens then I am sure you are familiar with the abundance of fresh eggs they provide. However, sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of which eggs are freshest, especially if you gather them in mass. The good news is that this is where the egg float test also known as a water test comes in handy. It’s a simple and effective way to determine the freshness of an egg. Let’s dive into the details of how to perform this test and understand what the results mean.

I love having our farm chickens. My fresh eggs are stored in a wire basket on my kitchen counter and, therefore, are mixed with eggs gathered from previous days.  During the summer, when my hens are in full egg-laying mode, the eggs in the basket can grow quickly. Eating the older eggs first is the best practice. This is not always easy to do when they are all mixed in one basket.  

A great option to ensure that the older eggs are eaten first is to have a spiral egg dispenser rack or a tiered rolling egg dispenser.  Both of these items can be purchased easily through Amazon.com

If you do not handle your eggs using the FIFO method, it is hard to know which eggs are the oldest. FIFO is a method of inventory control that stands for first in, first out. You may be using this method with your home canned foods by consuming older ones first.

Egg Float Test

What You’ll Need to test the egg’s freshness:

A bowl of water or a container with cold water deep enough to fully submerge an egg

Steps to Perform the Egg Float Test:

Fill the Container with Water: Fill your bowl or container with enough water to completely cover an egg. The water should be room temperature.

Gently Place the Egg in the Water:

Carefully place the egg into the water. Avoid dropping it in, as this can crack the egg and ruin the test.

Observe the Egg’s Behavior:

• Sinks to the Bottom and Lays Flat: If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it is very fresh. You can confidently use it for all your cooking needs.
• Sinks but Stands Upright: If the egg sinks but stands upright on the bottom, it is still good but not as fresh. These eggs are best used soon.
• Floats to the Top: If the egg floats to the surface of the water, it is no longer fresh and should be handled more carefully with further inspection. Floating eggs have likely developed air pockets due to aging, making them buoyant. If there is any uncertainty then it is best to throw them out.

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Understanding the Science Behind the Test:

Eggshells are porous, allowing air to enter and moisture to escape over time. As an egg ages, the pocket of air in the egg increases, causing it to become more buoyant. This is why fresher eggs sink, and older eggs float.

If you have learned anything about farm fresh eggs, they can be impossible to peel after being hard-boiled. This Instant Pot method gives you perfectly peeled hard-boiled eggs every single time.

Additional Tips for Egg Freshness:

Proper storage of eggs:

To extend the freshness of your farm-fresh eggs, store them in the refrigerator. Your store-bought carton of eggs should always be refrigerated and kept in their original carton to prevent them from absorbing strong odors from other foods.

Check for Cracks:

Inspect your eggs for cracks before performing the float test. Cracked eggs can spoil faster and may not provide accurate test results.

Use a Julian Date:

If you purchase store-bought eggs, check the carton for the Julian date (the day of the year the eggs were packed). This three-digit number ranges from 001 (January 1) to 365 (December 31). Knowing this can help you determine the age of the eggs before performing the float test.  This can help you determine their age and freshness.  Eggs can be safely consumed within 3 weeks of the expiration date, pack date,  or sell-by date.

It’s important to note that not all floating eggs are necessarily bad.

Some older eggs may still be safe to eat even if they float due to changes in air content over time.  Eggs that float to the top can be used after a closer look and sniff test to confirm that they have not gone bad.  Of course, if an older egg has a rotten egg smell or looks odd, throw it away! 

These older eggs should be fully cooked before consumption.  The best way to do this is to scramble, hard boil, or use them in baking.   In fact, if you have ever tried peeling a freshly laid egg that has been hard-boiled, it can be a frustrating almost impossible task.  You get better results in peeling hard-boiled eggs when the eggs are older.

Use only the very freshest when using uncooked eggs in a recipe, such as my home made mayonnaise.  Read my post – How to Make the Best Tasting Mayonnaise – 2 Easy Methods.

In addition to conducting regular checks with the egg float test, there are other ways chicken owners can ensure they are collecting fresh eggs from their flock. Keeping nesting boxes clean and free of debris can help prevent contamination from bacteria that could spoil eggs quickly. Storing collected eggs in a cool place like a refrigerator can also prolong their freshness by slowing down bacterial growth.

If you want to learn more about farm fresh eggs, how they differ from store bought eggs and how to handle raw eggs safely, read my post – How To Handle Farm Fresh Eggs Like a Pro.

​The egg float test is a quick and easy way to check the freshness of your eggs. Incorporating this simple test into your routine ensures you’re using the best quality eggs for your family’s meals. Whether you’re making breakfast pancakes from scratch or a delicious carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, knowing the freshness of your eggs can make a big difference in the taste and quality of your dishes.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to subscribe to our email list for more tips on living a simpler, hands-on life. Follow us on social media for homesteading ideas and updates from our country life. Happy egg testing!

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