Boiling eggs might seem like a straightforward task, but achieving perfectly easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs can be a bit tricky, whether you're wondering how to peel fresh eggs from your backyard chickens or you want to know what is the best way to peel store bought eggs.
We have tried all of the different methods to find perfect hard boiled eggs, which we will talk about, and I'll share the best way to peel hard boiled eggs - we have it down to a science and it is a method not many people know about, but we have been doing this for years and won't look back!
In this article, we'll also talk about the science behind egg freshness, storage tips for both fresh and store-bought eggs, and provide step-by-step instructions for how to peel the perfect hard boiled egg.
Understanding Egg Freshness
Before diving into the process of boiling eggs, it's good to first understand how the freshness of an egg can impact its ease of peeling. I used to have some friends who regularly ate hard boiled eggs, so they would ask us to give them our oldest eggs because they believed that they make perfect hard boiled eggs.
And there is some truth to that.
Newer Eggs from Backyard Chickens
Farm fresh eggs are amazing, but they can be challenging to peel when hard boiled. We know this very well as we have our own backyard flock of chickens.
Newer eggs have a lower pH level in the egg white, which makes the whites adhere more strongly to the inner shell membrane. This is why some people love to go to a farmers and ask for older eggs, since they will be eating them immediately as hard boiled eggs, deviled eggs, or just cold eggs for salads and sandwiches.
How long can farm eggs last on the counter?
Freshly collected eggs from a farm or backyard farmer can last on the counter for about two to three weeks.
It's important to know that eggs from your backyard chickens haven't undergone the same washing process as store-bought eggs, leaving the protective bloom intact, which helps preserve freshness. As soon as you wash that protective invisible layer off, eggs must be refrigerated.
This is why we keep grocery store bought eggs in the fridge and farm eggs that haven't had the bloom washed off, on the counter.
Store-Bought Eggs
When you buy a dozen eggs at the store, it may be easier to peel eggs like this because they are usually a bit older by the time they reach the consumer. Eggs sit in those cartons after being collected, washed, shipped and packaged and that takes a bit of time. The aging process increases the egg's pH level, which helps the egg white separate more easily from the shell after boiling, so you may find it easy to peel eggs that are older.
How long do store-bought eggs last?
Store-bought eggs can last in the refrigerator for up to five weeks. The washing and sanitizing process in commercial egg production removes the natural bloom, so refrigeration is needed after washing to maintain egg freshness and prevent spoilage.
The Science Behind Easy-to-Peel Hard Boiled Eggs
Peeling hard boiled eggs can be influenced by several factors, including:
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Egg Freshness: Older eggs tend to peel more easily due to the higher pH level.
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Cooking Method: The cooking and cooling process can impact the ease of peeling, so this is something to think about if you want soft boil eggs or cooked eggs.
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Shell Membrane: The condition of the shell membrane affects how easily the shell comes off.
By understanding these factors, you can adjust your method of cooking process for your eggs, however, in saying this, I am going to share our tried and true method for getting easy to peel eggs eggs every time.
BEST METHOD for Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs
Here is how I make perfect hard boiled eggs, and since I have learned this method, it has changed my hard boiled egg game.
I especially love this for devilled eggs because it keeps the hard cooked eggs totally in tact for that nice presentation when you are making them for guests!
This method has to do with cracking the inside membrane of the egg.
Instructions: Membrane Breaking Method or the TAP Method for peeling hard boiled eggs (10/10 The BEST way to PEEL EGGS!)
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Select Eggs: Any eggs will do for this method, and any age of egg. I find this tends to work best on room temperature eggs.
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Prepare the Pot: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch.
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Boil the Water: Bring the water to a rolling boil.
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Hold your egg properly: Hold your egg so the skinniest part is facing up, and then use your non-writing hand to hold the egg in that position with your thumb and your index and pointer fingers. If you aren't too sure what I mean here, there's no exact science to it really, you just want to hold your egg gently.
*This is one of my backyard chicken eggs, yes it's green! -
Get a spoon: Use a regular metal spoon for this next part.
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Gently tap the top of the egg, slowly and repeatedly. You will need to have a quiet room and listen while you are tapping until you hear a "crack" sound. Keep in mind, there should not be a crack in the egg shell. This might take a few times of practicing until you understand the strength of your egg tapping.
*You can really tap either end of the egg, I just prefer the smaller side which is why I am recommending it - preference.
**When I am asked how do you make hard boiled eggs easy to peel, I always say that tapping your egg before boiling it makes the easiest peeled eggs. This is because the tapping method for peeling hard boiled eggs releases the membrane from the shell. When you don't release the membrane from the shell, hard boiled eggs break apart easily due to the membrane still being stuck to the shell. -
Add the Eggs to the water: Carefully lower the eggs into the boiling water using a slotted spoon.
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Boil for 7-10 Minutes: Maintain a steady boil to hard boil eggs for 7-10 minutes.
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Prepare an Ice Bath: While the eggs are boiling, prepare a bowl of ice water.
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Transfer Eggs to Ice Water : Immediately transfer the eggs from the hot water to the cold water.
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Cool for 15 Minutes: Let the eggs cool in the ice bath.
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Peel the Eggs: Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface and peel under running water - you will be totally amazed at how easy eggs are to peel with this method.
Tips for Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs
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Roll the Egg: Gently roll the egg on a hard surface to create cracks all over the shell before peeling.
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Peel Under Water: Peel the eggs under running water or in a bowl of water to help remove tiny shell fragments.
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Use a Spoon: Slide a spoon between the shell and the egg white to help separate the two more easily.
Storing Hard Boiled Eggs
Freshly Collected Eggs
If you have an abundance of farm fresh eggs from your backyard chickens, hard boiling them is a great way to extend their shelf life. Store hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator and consume them within one week for optimal freshness.
Store-Bought Eggs
Store-bought eggs that have been hard boiled can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Keep cooked eggs in their shells to prevent them from drying out and absorbing refrigerator odors. Take them out anytime within this time frame to peel hard boiled eggs and enjoy in an egg salad sandwich or just simply keep in an airtight container.
Summary
Perfectly peeling hard boiled eggs can be a challenge; whether they are farm eggs or store-bought, but with the right methods and understanding of egg freshness and anatomy, peeling eggs can be a super easy task, every time. I actually find the tapping method the most satisfying. I should make a video on this so you can hear the sound when the egg membrane releases from the shell!
So whether you prefer the traditional boiling method, steaming, membrane tapping or using a pressure cooker, the key steps for easy peel eggs involves proper cooking, rapid cooling, and gentle peeling techniques.
Remember to store your hard boiled eggs correctly to maintain their freshness and enjoy them in many different dishes including deviled eggs, egg salad or for egg salad sandwiches, or to just enjoy cold eggs straight in your salad or other dishes. Peeling eggs is way easier once you find that perfect method.
Questions People Also Ask
Why are fresh eggs so hard to peel?
Newly laid eggs from the farmer or your backyard chickens are harder to peel because their lower pH levels cause the egg white to stick more strongly to the shell membrane. As eggs age, the pH level increases, making the shell easier to remove.
How do you peel an egg without destroying it?
To peel an egg without destroying it, gently tap the egg on a hard surface to create cracks, then peel under running water or in a bowl of water to help remove tiny shell fragments. Starting at the larger end where the air cell is located can also make peeling easier if you didn't use the tap method to pop the air cell.
Is it better to peel hard boiled eggs hot or cold?
It's better to peel hard boiled eggs after they have cooled completely in an ice bath. Cooling helps the egg whites contract slightly, making it easier to separate from the shell.
How can I store peeled hard boiled eggs?
Peeled hard boiled eggs should be stored in a airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within five to seven days to ensure freshness and safety.
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