Checking egg freshness: Telltale signs to avoid spoiled goods
How can you make sure your eggs are fresh? To avoid buying spoiled products, take a close look at them before heading to the checkout. Several signs indicate that leaving some eggs on the store shelf is better.
Stale eggs not only ruin the taste of dishes but can also cause food poisoning. In the worst-case scenario, consuming a spoiled product can lead to an illness caused by salmonella.
To avoid problems, read the box's label, check the expiration date, and then open the container to carefully inspect the contents.
Warning signs on the shells. Do not buy such eggs
The eggshell itself can reveal a lot. If you see discolorations or spots on its surface, it may mean that the product is stale. Another sign is cracks—if you notice any, it's better to be cautious.
What else should catch your attention? A smooth, shiny shell, which, contrary to appearances, actually indicates that the egg is stale. The thickness of the shell is also important—the thinner it is, the more easily it allows microorganisms to penetrate, which spoil the egg whites and yolks.
However, the interior of the egg reveals more about its freshness. If the white has a pinkish tint after cracking it into a bowl, you absolutely should not eat that egg. Discoloured egg whites mean the product contains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria. Another bad sign is when the yolk and white do not cling together. The last warning sign is the smell—fresh eggs do not emit any odours, and under no circumstances should they have an unpleasant smell.
