In a group of chicken eggs how do you know which are fresh and old?

Visual Inspection:

* Shell Color: While the color of the shell can vary depending on the breed of chicken, a fresh egg will have a smooth, clean, and unblemished shell.

* Shell Texture: A fresh egg's shell will feel slightly rough to the touch. Older eggs may have a dull, chalky, or even cracked shell.

* Air Cell: Hold the egg up to a light source (like a flashlight). The air cell at the larger end of the egg will be small in fresh eggs. As the egg ages, the air cell expands. If the air cell is large, the egg is likely old.

Other Tests:

* "Float Test": Place the egg in a bowl of cold water. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom and lie on its side. An older egg will float more or even stand on its end. The more it floats, the older it is.

* Smell: Crack open the egg. A fresh egg will have a mild, pleasant smell. An older egg may have a pungent, sulfurous odor.

* Yolk: The yolk of a fresh egg is firm and round. In an older egg, the yolk will be flatter and may even have a greenish tint.

* White: The white of a fresh egg will be thick and clear. As the egg ages, the white will become thinner and more watery.

General Rules of Thumb:

* Refrigeration: Storing eggs in the refrigerator can extend their freshness.

* Expiration Dates: Eggs usually have a "best by" date, but they are often good for several weeks beyond that date if stored properly.

Important Note: While these methods can help you gauge the age of an egg, it's best to use your senses. If an egg smells off or has a strange appearance, it's best to discard it.