Red Seal Cook Practice Exam

How can one check for the freshness of eggs?

1. By smelling them

2. By performing a float test in water

3. By shaking them and listening for sound

4. By inspecting the shell's color

The correct answer is: By performing a float test in water

To check for the freshness of eggs, performing a float test in water is an effective method. Fresh eggs have a small air cell inside that keeps them buoyant when submerged. When placed in a bowl of water, fresh eggs will sink and lie flat on the bottom. As eggs age, the air cell enlarges, causing older eggs to float because they have more buoyancy. If an egg stands upright on the bottom or floats, it indicates that it is no longer fresh and may not be safe to consume. This method is widely accepted in culinary practices, as it provides a straightforward and reliable means of determining an egg's viability without requiring any specialized equipment or invasive testing.