Boiling eggs is a simple activity, but one that can sometimes produce somewhat unexpected results.One of them is the appearance of a bluish border around the yolk, which is often a cause for concern.Does such a change affect the taste of the egg? Does that mean it’s not fresh anymore?.
First of all, the bluish ring around the yolk is more of an aesthetic issue than a health issue.It is the result of chemical reactions that take place during the cooking of the egg.This is a common occurrence and should not be alarmed.What exactly does that mean?
A blue ring around the yolk – what does it mean
The blue ring is caused by cooking eggs for too long.When eggs are boiled for more than 10 minutes, sulfur and iron are released from the yolk.These elements combine to form iron sulfide, which is responsible for the characteristic bluish color around the yolk.
A change in the color of the yolk may look unattractive, but the blue border does not affect the safety of eating the egg. It is only an aesthetic defect that should not cause health problems. An egg with a blue border is completely safe to eat and its nutritional value and taste are not compromised.
To be sure, you can check the freshness of the egg before cooking with a simple test in water.A fresh egg sinks to the bottom of a glass of water, while an old egg floats to the surface.This way you avoid unnecessary doubts about the quality of the eggs.
How to avoid bluish edges during cooking?
However, if the bluish border around the yolk makes you lose your appetite, don’t forget to check the cooking time of the eggs. Optimal eggs need to be hard-boiled for about 7 to 8 minutes after boiling. This will achieve perfectly cooked yolks without unsightly discoloration.
In addition, it is good to add 2-3 tablespoons of salt or a few slices of lemon to the water in which you cook the eggs. These simple additions help prevent bluish edges and make it easier to peel the eggs later. After cooking, it’s a good idea to immediately run cold water over the eggs to stop the cooking process.
