But certain habits—how we store them, cook them, or even test their freshness—can affect their nutritional value and increase the risk of bacterial contamination or inflammation.
With a few small changes, you can preserve their benefits and avoid unnecessary risks. Below are practical tips on freshness, safe storage, cooking, and even a quick recipe for safe homemade mayonnaise.
How to Check If an Egg Is Fresh
A simple water test can help determine freshness:
- Fill a glass with water.
- Gently place the egg inside.
If the egg sinks and lies flat at the bottom, it’s fresh.
If it floats, it has aged—use it soon or discard it.
This works because eggs lose moisture over time, allowing air to build up inside, making older eggs buoyant.
Why You Shouldn’t Wash Eggs Before Storing Them
Although washing seems hygienic, it actually removes a natural protective layer on the shell. Because the shell is porous, washing allows bacteria to enter more easily. The safest approach is to store eggs unwashed and refrigerated.
It’s also best to avoid placing them in the refrigerator door, where repeated temperature changes can weaken the shell and speed up spoilage.
The Risks of Eating Raw Eggs
Raw eggs became trendy among fitness enthusiasts, but the risks outweigh the benefits for two reasons:
Reduced nutrient absorption:
Raw egg contains avidin, a protein that binds to biotin (vitamin B7), limiting its absorption. Raw egg protein is also poorly digested—your body absorbs about half of it. Cooking improves absorption to about 90%.
Potential salmonella contamination:
A raw egg can contain salmonella without showing any noticeable change in smell or texture. The infection can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women, and older adults. Cooking is the only way to eliminate this risk.
Why Egg Yolks Differ in Color
Yolk color isn’t a reliable indicator of quality or whether the egg is “homemade.” It usually reflects the hen’s diet:
- Diets rich in greens, corn, or carotenoids → deeper orange yolks
- Standard feed → lighter yellow yolks
Both are nutritious.
Practical Tips for Easier Cooking
To peel boiled eggs more easily:
Place them in very cold or ice water immediately after cooking, then crack the bottom end where the air pocket sits.