How to Tell If Your Farm Fresh Eggs Are Still Good
We get asked this all the time —“How long do fresh eggs last?” or “Is this egg still okay?” Whether you’re grabbing eggs from our farm or gathering them straight from your own coop, here’s how to figure out if they’re still good—without playing a game of breakfast roulette.
1. The Float Test – Simple & Surprisingly Accurate
Grab a glass or bowl, fill it with cool water, and gently drop the egg in.
Sinks and lays flat = Fresh as can be. Scramble away.
Sinks but stands up = Still edible, just has limited days left in it’s useful life.
Floats = Let it go. That egg has seen better days.
Why does it float? Eggs have tiny pores, and over time, air sneaks in. More air = older egg.
2. The Sniff Test – Trust Your Nose
Crack it open into a separate bowl. If it smells… funky, toss it. A bad egg will let you know real quick—it’s not shy. If your nose wrinkles, your breakfast is canceled.
3. The Eye Test – What You See is What You Get
Fresh eggs have bright yolks and whites that hold together nicely. If it looks runny, weirdly flat, or just off, play it safe. Nobody wants to find out the hard way.
A Quick Note on Storage
We don’t wash our eggs at Flying Pig Cattle Co. because the natural “bloom” gives eggs a layer of protection. That means they’re shelf-stable at room temp for a couple weeks. Once you wash them, keep ’em cold.
Basically:
Unwashed = Room temp okay
Washed = Refrigerate
And no, you don’t need to store them in those fancy egg containers—unless you just like how they look.
Bottom Line: When in Doubt, Float It Out
Eggs are one of nature’s best little packages, but even they don’t last forever. A quick float or sniff test can save you from a stinky surprise. And if you ever have questions? We’re just a message or farm visit away.
