Other Ways to Test Egg Freshness
While Nana’s water test is widely used, here are other methods:
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Candling: Holding a light to the egg to examine its inner structure—commonly used in the egg industry.
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Crack test: Break the egg open—fresh eggs have firm yolks and thick whites.
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Shake test: Shake the egg near your ear—sloshing sounds may mean it’s old.
While effective, these methods can require experience or special tools. Nana’s test remains the most accessible and easy for everyone.
Scientific Explanation of the Trick
An egg’s porous shell allows air to enter and moisture to leave over time. As the air cell enlarges, the egg becomes more buoyant and floats when it’s no longer fresh. Meanwhile, the proteins inside degrade, affecting texture and quality. Using water to detect these changes makes Nana’s trick a beautiful example of basic chemistry and physics at work for home cooks.
Common Myths About Egg Freshness
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