I love hard-boiled eggs! They are delicious plain with a little salt, sliced on a salad, as egg salad, deviled eggs, and many other ways.
Growing up I never had a problem getting the shells off hard-boiled eggs, but when we moved to the farm and started raising our own chickens I suddenly couldn’t get the shells off without destroying a good portion of the white. I knew that older eggs are easier to peel, and that eggs sold in grocery stores were often six weeks or older. But why are older eggs easier to peel?
Needing to understand egg science, I found out that the white in a fresh egg is slightly alkaline, and as an egg ages the white becomes more alkaline making it easier to peel when cooked. I, like most people, assumed the shell was sticking to the egg white, but the white was really bonding to the membrane becoming cemented to the white and impossible to peel away.
As an egg ages, the shell’s protective coating slowly wears off, absorbs air, and releases some of its carbon dioxide. This makes white more acidic, causing it to adhere to the inner membrane less. The egg white also shrinks slightly so the air space between the eggshell and the membrane grows larger, resulting in boiled eggs that are easier to peel.
Over the years, I tried a multitude of ways that many people swear by:
Aging the eggs (But my 2-3 week old farm eggs were STILL hard to peel!)
Boiling them with vinegar
Boiling them with salt
Using a pin to prick the shells before boiling
Boiling them with baking soda
Well, none of these methods worked. For years I rarely enjoyed hard-boiled eggs, and feared that someone would asked me to bring deviled eggs to a family or church event. Yes, I had an abundance of eggs, knew our eggs were super nutritious and of superior quality, but I just couldn’t get those stupid shells off without tearing up the whites!
Everything changed when my daughter, Elizabeth, introduced me to a method that finally worked! I was so excited that I decided I had to make a video and share this life changing information with you!
Step 1: Find a pot that has a removable basket so you can fully submerge your eggs.
Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Step 3: Place eggs in the boiling water (all eggs must be submerged) and adjust heat so that eggs simmer at a low boil for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare an ice bath and place eggs in it after 20 minutes.
Step 5: Allow eggs to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Peel your eggs. A spoon can be helpful in the process.
Step 7: Enjoy your beautiful hard-boiled eggs.
I can’t wait to hear how this method works for you!
