The Surprising Effect of Boiling Eggs with Fresh Lemons
Boiled eggs are a food that provides a lot of protein, which is good for health, and has the ability to reduce fat and build muscle. However, many home cooks are not fond of this dish because they find peeling the eggs a hassle.
A tip to solve this problem is to add a few slices of fresh lemon during the boiling process.
The eggs will smell better: The acidic properties of lemon help neutralize unpleasant odors that may arise during boiling. Furthermore, the lemon scent enhances the eggs' flavor without overpowering their natural taste. This method is suitable when the eggs are used in salads, sandwiches, or other light dishes. Vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon and has a similar effect.
Eggshells won't crack during boiling: Another issue when boiling eggs is that the shell can crack, and the egg white may leak out. To avoid this, add a few slices of lemon or lemon juice to the boiling water. The citric acid in lemon helps soften the eggshell, making it more flexible and reducing the risk of cracks when exposed to hot water.
Adding lemon to the boiling water also helps even when the eggshell has cracks; the egg white will quickly solidify and fill the cracks, preventing it from leaking out. For more effectiveness, you can add a pinch of salt along with the lemon when boiling. Salt helps to quickly coagulate the proteins in the egg.
Eggs will be whiter: When you add lemon to the boiling water, the eggshell may undergo a slight color change, becoming shinier and more appealing. This is due to the citric acid in lemon interacting with the minerals in the eggshell, creating a glossy effect that makes the eggs more attractive for decoration. Although this effect is not always noticeable, if you pay close attention, you will see the eggshell becoming shinier and fresher after boiling with lemon.
How to boil eggs with lemon:
Ingredients needed:
Eggs (depending on how many you need) A few slices of lemonPlace the eggs in a pot of water to boil as usual, add a slice of lemon, and wait for the water to boil for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat. Let the eggs sit in the hot water for a few more minutes if you prefer fully-cooked eggs.
Next, take the eggs out and gently crack the shells. The shells will be extremely easy to peel, and you may even be able to remove half of the shell quickly. After peeling, the eggs will have a smooth and beautiful appearance. With the peeled eggs, you can easily prepare dishes like braised eggs, soy sauce eggs, and more.
