Use a permanent marker to write the date of purchase on each egg before placing them in the tray, arranging them with the oldest dates at the front for easy access. Rotate eggs regularly to ensure older ones are used first.
Organizing eggs by date in small trays is a simple yet effective way to ensure you're using the oldest eggs first, minimizing waste and maximizing freshness. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Gather your supplies: You'll need your eggs, small egg trays (these can be the ones they came in or reusable ones), and a permanent marker.
Date the eggs: As soon as you purchase or collect your eggs, use the permanent marker to write the date (e.g., MM/DD) directly on each eggshell. This is crucial for tracking their age.
Arrange in the tray: Place the eggs in the tray, arranging them so the oldest dates are at the front or in a designated section that's easily accessible. This ensures you'll naturally reach for the older eggs first.
Rotate regularly: When adding new eggs to the tray, always place them behind the older eggs. This maintains the 'first in, first out' system.
Check dates before use: Before using an egg, double-check the date to ensure you're using the oldest one available. If you're unsure about an egg's freshness, perform a float test (see Pro Tip below).
If you're unsure about the freshness of an egg, perform a float test. Place the egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lies flat, it's fresh. If it sinks but stands on one end, it's still good but should be used soon. If it floats, it's no longer fresh and should be discarded.