The Science Behind Lemon Juice and Hard-boiled
Eggs 1. pH levels:
The acidity of lemon juice changes the pH levels of boiling water. This change helps break down the outer shell, making it softer and easier to peel.
2. Chemical reaction:
the citric acid contained in lemon juice reacts with the calcium carbonate present in the eggshell, weakening it with a mild chemical reaction. This reaction helps to create cleaner skin, reducing the risk of ending up with a jagged and stubborn shell.
3. Flavors:
In addition to the physical changes, the subtle aroma of lemon can infuse a delicate scent into the egg, enhancing its taste profile and even making your cooking fresher.
Practical advantages of adding lemon juice
1. Easier peeling:
no more shell fragments stuck to the egg white. The lemon juice trick ensures that the shell comes off smoothly and effortlessly.
2. Improved texture:
Boiling eggs with lemon juice produces a tender egg white and a perfectly cooked yolk, thanks to the even heat distribution facilitated by the modified composition of the water.
3. Enhanced flavor:
Although the effect is discreet, some people notice a slight and pleasant improvement in flavor due to the infusion of lemon oil.
How to do it
1. Prepare the water:
Fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs by about an inch.
2. Add lemon juice:
squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the water. You can also use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.
3. Boil the eggs:
add the eggs and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer the eggs for the desired amount of time, usually 9 to 12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
4. Cool and peel:
Remove the eggs and place them in an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, gently break and peel the eggs.
By adopting my grandmother’s simple but effective technique you can improve your technique of preparing hard-boiled eggs with minimal effort. The next time you’re craving an egg that’s cooked to perfection and easy to peel, try the lemon juice trick. You may find that it also becomes your new secret in the kitchen.
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