Fresh Eggs Sink Or Float

Have you ever wondered why some eggs sink in water while others float? The answer has to do with the age of the egg. As an egg ages, the air cell inside the egg gets larger. This causes the egg to become less dense and more buoyant, which is why it will float in water. A fresh egg, on the other hand, has a smaller air cell and is therefore denser. This is why fresh eggs typically sink in water.

The float test is a simple way to check the freshness of an egg. To perform the test, simply place the egg in a bowl of cold water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side, it is fresh. If the egg sinks but stands upright on its end, it is still good to eat, but it is not as fresh as an egg that sinks to the bottom. If the egg floats, it is not fresh and should be discarded.

There are a few other factors that can affect whether an egg sinks or floats in water. These factors include the temperature of the water, the salt content of the water, and the size of the egg. In general, eggs will float in warmer water than in colder water. Eggs will also float in water that contains a lot of salt. Finally, larger eggs will float more easily than smaller eggs.

The float test is a simple and effective way to check the freshness of an egg. By understanding the factors that affect whether an egg sinks or floats, you can ensure that you are always eating the freshest eggs possible.

Here are some additional tips for storing eggs:

Store eggs in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Keep eggs in their original carton to protect them from moisture and bacteria.
Do not wash eggs before storing them, as this can remove the protective coating on the shell.
Use eggs within 4 weeks of purchase.