Why does the pot turn black after boiling eggs?

Why does the pot turn black after boiling eggs? Is it because your pot is of poor quality or the eggs are about to go bad?

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After boiling eggs, the pot is prone to turning black. This phenomenon puzzles many people, unsure whether it’s due to the eggs they bought not being fresh or of poor quality, or if the pot they used is not good?


Why does the pot turn black after boiling eggs is a question many people ask. (Photo: Tasting Table)

Why does the pot turn black after boiling eggs?

In an article posted on Vnexpress, Dr. Vu Thi Tan (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) explains the reason why the pot turns black after boiling eggs. According to her, eggs contain many amino compounds. At high temperatures, sulfur from these amino compounds is released in the form of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas.

The iron in the egg yolk combines with H2S to form FeS (iron II sulfide). This substance is blackish-green in color, insoluble in water, and sticks to the pot, forming a black layer.

Therefore, the pot turning black after boiling eggs is a normal phenomenon, not caused by spoiled eggs or low-quality pots.

To remove this black layer, Dr. Vu Thi Tan suggests that you can scrub it with lemon, vinegar, or baking soda.

How long to boil eggs for the best result?

This depends on how well-done you like your eggs or the specific dish you are making, whether you want the boiled eggs to have a runny yolk, a soft yolk, or a fully cooked yolk.


How long to boil eggs for the best result? It depends on each person’s preference. (Photo: Lil’ Luna)

You can adjust the boiling time to achieve the desired result, as follows:

– 3 minutes: The egg white is just set, and the egg yolk is runny.

– 5 minutes: The egg yolk begins to thicken.

– 7 minutes: The egg yolk is cooked but still has a pinkish hue inside. The egg white is fully cooked and firm.

– 9 minutes: The egg is thoroughly cooked.

– 11 minutes: The egg is fully cooked, and the egg yolk has a golden color.

Some tips for boiling eggs:

– The water level in the pot should be about 3cm above the eggs.

– While boiling, covering the pot helps the eggs cook faster.

– If the water is already boiling vigorously, reducing the heat to medium will prevent the eggs from bouncing too much in the pot and cracking.

What is the effect of adding fresh lemon when boiling eggs?

This is a simple trick that prevents you from encountering the annoyance of peeling boiled eggs. Here’s how to do it: Place the eggs in the pot as usual, then add a slice of lemon. After the eggs have boiled for about 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit in hot water for a few more minutes if you don’t like runny yolks.

When you peel the eggs, you will find that the shells come off easily without sticking. The peeled eggs are smooth and beautiful. You can use them for decoration or to make dishes like braised eggs with meat, marinated eggs… which are both delicious and visually appealing.

If you don’t have lemon, you can add a pinch of salt or white vinegar. They also help to soften the eggshells, making them easier to peel.

However, you should note that if the eggs are stored in the refrigerator, they should be taken out 15 minutes before boiling. Only fill the pot with enough water to cover the eggs by about 2-3cm (the same height as the eggs when placed in the pot), and always leave the pot uncovered while boiling to avoid covering it.

Source: VTC news

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