Have you ever cracked a bad egg by mistake? There’s a way to never fall into this trap again! Here’s how to know if the egg is hatched before breaking it:
Anyone who has ever had the experience of opening a choco egg knows what a problem it is: the smell is terrible and, if you are cooking it, you are likely to lose the recipe. The good news is that there is a way to know if the egg is hatched before you even break it and the techniques are very simple.
As you will see throughout this article, the consistency of the egg still inside the shell can already indicate its condition and avoid a “tragedy”. Other home tests, such as water tests, are also a quick way to know if the egg is hatched.
But, of course, before all this you will learn, it is worth respecting the supplier’s instructions. Observing the expiration date on the cards is a very important detail, as well as keeping the eggs in the appropriate conditions.
Furthermore, it never goes out of style to crack the egg into a separate container before adding it to the food preparation. This avoids scares and waste, as if that egg is not good for consumption, you can discard it yourself.
So, if you observe the points mentioned below, you will most likely know how to identify a rotten egg before you even open it.
How to know if the egg is hatched:
1. Smell
First of all, one of the surefire ways to know if the egg is hatched is by smelling it. If you break it and smell that rotten odor, discard it.
The test can be done even with the whole egg, as the rotten smell can be smelled through the shell.
You can, therefore, compare the smells between a good egg and one that is bad for consumption. You will see how noticeable the rotten odor is.
2. Consistency
Another way to identify a rotten egg is by observing its consistency. To do this, simply shake the egg next to your ear.
If the egg is unsuitable for consumption, its consistency will be more liquid and it will make a discreet sound of liquid shaking, something that does not happen if the egg is new and in perfect condition.
The explanation for this is quite simple: as the egg ages, moisture and carbon dioxide escape through the shell (which is porous) and the white and yolk begin to dry out. This causes an air pocket to form inside the egg, giving more space for the internal contents to move and emit a liquid sound.
3. Water Test
One of the best-known ways to know whether an egg is hatched or not is to do a water test. It basically consists of using a glass or deep container, which is at least twice the total height of the egg; and fill it with cold water.
When you dip the egg and it stays at the bottom, horizontally, it means it is new and good for consumption. Eggs that float to the edge of the water must be discarded as they are unsafe for consumption in some way, too old or hatched.
Eggs that are older but still usable go to the bottom, but do not remain horizontal.
4. Light test
In a dark place, shine a small light source, like a flashlight, against the eggshell. If you see streaks of blood, like veins, inside the egg, it is a fertile egg and should not be consumed.
This test also allows you to know whether the egg is new or old. To do this, simply hold the light source up to the large end of the egg and tilt it and turn it quickly from left to right. This allows you to see whether the egg’s air cell is small or large.
If the egg is very fresh, the air cells will be very thin. As the egg ages, however, gases replace the water lost to evaporation inside the shell and the air pocket becomes larger.
What if the eggs are cooked?
If you have already prepared the eggs and are still wondering about their condition, there are also ways to know if they are new or old.
This is a very important factor, as more sensitive people, as well as children and the elderly, should only consume this type of food fresh to avoid contamination.
Boiled eggs
In fresh ones, when you break them in half, the yolk will be more centralized.
Fried eggs
The yolk is also an indicator in this type of preparation. In fresh eggs, they are centralized and very round. However, the older the egg, the lower and less centralized the yolk is.
However, in the case of spoiled eggs, the white becomes very large and watery and the yolk becomes very flat.
NOTE: refrigerated eggs
Did you know that refrigerated eggs can’t spend much time outside the refrigerator? Therefore, if you refrigerated an egg and kept it refrigerated for more than two hours, it is best to discard it.
Experts explain that the temperature shock stimulates sweating on the egg shell, which leads to the growth of bacteria on the shell. In fact, as this part of the egg is porous, it is possible for bacteria to penetrate and contaminate the food.
Firstly, to avoid temperature variation, experts recommend that eggs be stored in the inner part of the refrigerator, which is cold and maintains a constant temperature. It is not recommended to use the refrigerator door because frequent openings cause the temperature there to vary, which can make the eggs sweat.
Keeping eggs out of the refrigerator is also a safe option, you know? Especially if they are unwashed and at room temperature.
This is a common custom in Europe, where suppliers do not usually wash the eggs to be sold, as they do here in Brazil. When they are not washed, in fact, they have a protective barrier, a kind of cuticle, which keeps bacteria away.
So, did you learn?
So, speaking of eggs, this other article has everything to do with it and can help a lot to maintain your youthful appearance: 5 foods that are sources of collagen and leave your skin perfect.
Sources: wikiHow, Dr. Juliano Pimentel, How to Make It, Casa dos Pássaros
