How to Test the Freshness of Eggs. 1  Place the egg in a bowl of water. 2  If the egg lays on its side at the bottom, it is still quite fresh. 3  If the egg stands upright on the bottom, it is still fine to eat, but should be eaten very soon, or hard-boiled.  If the egg floats to the top, it's past its prime, and not good for eating.