Before buying eggs, don’t just check the expiration date. Egg cartons also contain a Julian date—a three-digit code that reveals the exact day the eggs were packaged. The higher the number, the fresher the eggs. You’ll also find a plant code, which identifies where the eggs were processed and can be useful during recalls.
Fresh eggs generally stay at their best for four to five weeks after packaging. To choose the freshest carton, compare the Julian date with the sell-by date and select eggs with the most recent packaging date.
At home, keep eggs in their original carton and store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator. If you’re unsure whether an egg is still good, try the float test: fresh eggs sink, while older eggs stand upright or float. You can also crack them into a separate bowl—fresh eggs have firm yolks and thick whites, while spoiled eggs often have an unpleasant odor.
Understanding these simple codes can help you buy fresher eggs, reduce waste, and avoid unpleasant surprises in the kitchen.
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