Why do hard-boiled eggs have a weird green ring around the yolk?

In a sandwich, as an appetizer or in a salad, hard-boiled eggs are suitable for many everyday dishes. If you are a fan of this cooking method, you may have already noticed the presence of a green ring surrounding the egg yolk. Do you know what that means? Are there any risks in consuming hard-boiled eggs with this greenish membrane? We tell you everything.

To fill a craving or eat on the go, preparing hard-boiled eggs is the ideal alternative to frozen meals or ultra-processed foods that we sometimes prefer to save time in the kitchen. Nutritional and gustatory, eggs have indeed several benefits for our health and can be consumed in several forms. Before explaining to you what the green ring sometimes present on the yolk of hard-boiled eggs means, let's review their benefits for the body.

What are the benefits of eggs?

Consumed for breakfast or for other meals of the day, eggs are full of nutrients that are beneficial to our health. Rich in group B vitamins, it stimulates brain function and optimizes concentration and memory. In addition, it contains zinc, iron, magnesium or phosphorus, essential minerals for maintaining bone health.

This slimming ally is also a very good source of protein. Low in calories, it can therefore be integrated into many diets for healthy weight loss, in addition to promoting the feeling of satiety at mealtimes. Note that it also has a high content of lutein, an antioxidant essential for eye health.

What does the green ring around the yolk of hard-boiled eggs mean?

Contrary to what one might think, the green ring around the yolk of hard-boiled eggs does not present any risk to the health. In reality, it simply means that the eggs have cooked too long! This green layer, sometimes black in color, results from the oxidation of the iron found in the egg yolk when it comes into contact with hydrogen sulphide, due to the cooking of the egg white. Thus, the egg is quite edible, despite this unappetizing ring.

You can also observe a change in color if the egg has been cut or peeled too long before consumption, which darkens the yolk slightly. To avoid this outcome, be sure to cool the egg in cold water and peel it just before eating.

How to cook hard-boiled eggs to perfection?

To prepare your hard-boiled eggs without seeing them crumble or stick to the shell, there are certain tips to apply. The thermal shock that occurs when they are immersed in hot water can cause eggs to crack during cooking. Thus, it is best to take them out of the refrigerator about an hour before putting them in water. A grandmother's trick is also to add a few drops of white vinegar to the water to prevent the shells from breaking.

Once done, bring the water to a boil. Then, gently plunge the eggs into your container and simmer for 9 to 10 minutes if you want them to be well cooked. Those who prefer them a little less cooked can opt for an 8-minute cooking time. Note that you should not exceed 11 minutes at the risk of seeing the yolk crumble and the white have an unpleasant consistency.

When this time is reached, remove your eggs from the container and immediately immerse them in cold water. All you have to do is peel them to prepare a healthy breakfast or delicious deviled eggs.

To avoid making mistakes on cooking times, remember the 3-6-9 rule, namely 3 minutes to prepare soft-boiled eggs, 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs and 9 minutes for hard-boiled eggs!

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