How can you tell if a boiled egg is old?

Appearance:

* Shell: A very old egg might have a dull or grayish-white shell, rather than a bright, white shell.

* Yolk: The yolk of a fresh egg will be bright yellow and stand up tall. An old yolk might be pale yellow or even green, and will spread out flat.

* White: The white of a fresh egg will be firm and clear. An old egg white will be watery and runny, and might have a sulfurous odor.

Smell:

* A fresh egg should have no strong odor. If the egg smells sulfurous or like rotten eggs, it's definitely old.

Texture:

* Yolk: A fresh yolk will be firm and will hold its shape. An old yolk will be runny and may have a watery texture.

* White: A fresh egg white will be firm and bouncy. An old egg white will be thin and watery.

Here are some additional tips:

* The "float test": Place the egg in a bowl of cold water. If the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat, it's fresh. If it stands up on its end, it's a bit older. If it floats, it's very old and should be discarded.

* Crack it open: If you're unsure, crack the egg open and examine the yolk and white. If either looks abnormal, it's likely old.

Remember: While these methods can help you determine if an egg is old, it's best to use eggs within a few weeks of purchase for the best quality.