Michael told us: “This happens due to the different types of proteins found in the yolks versus the whites. The proteins in the egg yolk cook at a lower temperature than the proteins in the white.”
Description. When an egg broken onto a flat surface has a watery, spread-out white, this usually indicates that the egg is stale. The height of the white and the weight of the egg are used to calculate a value in Haugh units on a scale of 0 to 110; the lower the value, the staler the egg.
A slimy or chalky shell can indicate bacteria or mold growth, while a brown shell is a sign of spoilage. If any of these signs are present, toss the egg to be safe. And as stated, a foul odor is also a sign of rottenness, so you should discard the hard-boiled egg to avoid getting sick.
Egg white is the clear liquid (also called the albumen or the glair/glaire) contained within an egg. In chickens it is formed from the layers of secretions of the anterior section of the hen's oviduct during the passage of the egg.
The risks of eating runny eggs
There are risks to eating runny eggs — namely, salmonella. Salmonella is a bacteria that can make its way into food or water, and when it does, it can cause all sorts of unpleasant side effects like diarrhea, fever, chills and in some cases even more severe symptoms.
Eggs are made up of water, protein, and fat. When the eggs are cooked (or scrambled) the proteins start to combine and form a spongy texture that traps moisture. When the protein is cooked for too long over a temperature that is too high, the trapped moisture starts to leak out like a sponge that is being wrung out.
Hard-boiled eggs, properly stored, stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week in the shell. If the hard-boiled egg develops a foul odor or the texture changes and is slimy or chalky, discard the egg as it is likely spoiled.
The egg white will clump together tightly, and the yolk will develop a greenish film over a chalky center. As a result, you'll have a bouncy and tasteless hard-boiled egg.
To conduct a float test, fill a bowl or cup with water (it should be big enough to fully submerge your egg). Gently place your egg inside and see if it sinks or floats. If it floats, it's old and you may want to toss it.
Cloudiness of raw white is due to the natural presence of carbon dioxide that has not had time to escape through the shell and is an indication of a very fresh egg. As an egg ages, the carbon dioxide escapes and the egg white becomes more transparent.
If the meringue mixture becomes flat or runny when the sugar is added then it usually means that the egg whites were not quite whisked enough before the sugar was added.
Undercooked egg whites and yolks have been associated with outbreaks of Salmonella infections. Both should be consumed promptly and not be kept warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The frequency of Salmonella-contaminated eggs in Australia is very low. Despite this, there is a potential risk of illness from consumption of raw or lightly-cooked eggs, or the consumption of uncooked foods containing raw egg.
Is There a Salmonella Risk? The risk is low as Australia has strict food safety laws and strong state agencies with responsibility for regulating our food system. Egg farmers also do everything they can to supply safe, clean, and fresh eggs.
Chickens and other live poultry can carry Salmonella bacteria. These germs can spread from the birds to their eggs. If you eat raw or undercooked eggs, you can get sick. Always handle and cook eggs properly to prevent illness.
Savory dishes (such as soufflés) require no sugar. Simply beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). This will take 4 to 5 minutes total.
Hard boiled eggs should be cooked for about 10-12 minutes. This timing avoids a powdery, dry yolk that comes from overcooking while keeping it solid enough for applications like devilled eggs or egg salad.
Place eggs in a medium pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then cover the pot and turn off the heat. Let the eggs cook, covered, for 9 to 12 minutes, depending on your desired done-ness (see photo). Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and chill for 14 minutes.