How good is your egg? A Guide to Choosing the Best

You are standing in the grocery aisle, carton in hand, staring at rows of identical-looking eggs. They all seem the same, right? Wrong.

Unlike fruits and vegetables that reveal their freshness at a glance, or packaged foods with their convenient best before dates, eggs keep their secrets hidden beneath smooth shells.

But what if you could crack the code to choosing the best ones?

The Light Test: Candling Reveals All

Ever wondered how egg producers separate the good from the not-so-good? They use a surprisingly simple technique called candling. Picture holding an egg up to a bright light source. Suddenly, the mystery of what's inside becomes visible.

Here's what candling reveals:

Shell integrity: Any cracks that might compromise freshness
Yolk position: Fresh eggs have centred yolks suspended in firm whites; older eggs show yolks settling toward the shell
Albumin quality: The thickness and clarity of the egg white
Unwanted surprises: Blood spots, mould, or even developing embryos

As eggs age, their chalaza (those twisted cords that hold the yolk in place) weaken, allowing the yolk to drift. The yolk becomes more visible through candling, especially if it's darker in colour, casting a distinct shadow against the light.

The Float Test: Your Kitchen Detective Tool

Want to test egg freshness at home? Fill a bowl with cold water and gently place your egg inside. What happens next tells you everything:

Sinks and lies flat on the bottom: Very fresh - the air cell is tiny. These are perfect for any use.
Sinks but stands upright or tilts: Still good to eat, but not as fresh. The air cell has enlarged slightly. Use these soon.
Floats to the surface: The air cell has grown quite large. These eggs are old and should be discarded.

Why does this work? As eggs age, moisture evaporates through the porous shell, enlarging the air cell inside. The bigger the air pocket, the more the egg floats.

Decoding the Grade Labels

In India, eggs are sorted into a systematic grading system that takes the guesswork out of shopping:

By Weight:

Extra Large: More than 60g (perfect for hearty breakfasts)
Large: 53-59g (the all-purpose choice)
Medium: 45-52g (ideal for baking)
Small: 38-42g (great for kids' portions)

By Quality: Eggs with clean, unbroken shells earn their grade based on air cell depth and yolk positioning. Grade A and B eggs in India guarantee centred yolks and defect-free interiors.

Your Egg-Shopping Strategy

Next time you are at the market, you are no longer buying blind. Look for:

Clean shells without cracks or stains
Grade A or B labels for quality assurance
Appropriate size for your needs
Recent packing dates, when available

And when you get home? Try the float test on any eggs you are uncertain about. With these simple techniques, you will never crack open a disappointing egg again.

Image by Alexa from Pixabay