**How to Tell If Your Eggs Are Fresh: A Quick Guide**

Eggs are a kitchen staple, but using fresh ones makes a big difference. “Fresh eggs taste better, have a firmer texture, and perform better in recipes.” As they age, the whites thin out and yolks flatten, which affects both texture and appearance.

**1. Check the Expiration Date**
The carton’s “sell by” or “expiration” date is the first clue. While eggs can last weeks past this date if refrigerated, fresher is always better.

**2. Do the Float Test**
“Place the egg in a bowl of water.” If it sinks and lays flat, it’s fresh. If it stands upright or floats, it’s old. Floating eggs have larger air cells, which means they’ve aged.

**3. Crack and Inspect**
A fresh egg will have a thick white and a round, firm yolk. “As eggs age, their whites become thinner, and the yolks flatten.”

**4. Sniff Test**
A bad egg smells unmistakably rotten. “Your nose is a reliable tool—if it smells off, toss it.”

**5. Shake It**
Gently shake the egg. If you hear sloshing, it’s likely old. A fresh egg will be almost silent inside.

With these simple tests, you can confidently use the best eggs for your meals.