My grandmother swore that you should add lemon juice to boil eggs. Here’s why

The Science Behind Lemon Juice and Hard-Boiled
Eggs 1. pH Levels:
The acidity of lemon juice changes the pH of boiling water. This change helps break up the outer shell, making it softer and easier to peel.
2. Chemical reaction:
The citric acid in the lemon juice reacts with the calcium carbonate in the eggshell and weakens it through a mild chemical reaction. This reaction contributes to cleaner skin and reduces the risk of developing a stubborn, jagged skin.
3. Flavors: In addition to the physical changes,
the subtle aroma of lemon can give the egg a delicate scent that enhances its flavor profile and even makes your kitchen fresher.
Practical benefits of adding lemon juice
1. Easier peeling: No more
fighting shell parts sticking to your egg whites. The lemon juice trick ensures that the peel comes off gently and effortlessly.
2. Improved texture:
Cooking eggs with lemon juice results in a tender egg white and a perfectly cooked yolk, thanks to the even distribution of heat, facilitated by the altered composition of the water.
3. Improved taste:
Although the effects are subtle, some people notice a slight pleasant improvement in taste due to the infusion of lemon essence.
How to do it
1. Prepare the water:
Fill a saucepan with enough water to cover your eggs by about an inch.
2. Add lemon juice:
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the water. You can also use about 1-2 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 let the eggs simmer 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. After cooling, crack the eggs and peel them carefully.

By using my grandmother’s simple yet effective technique, you can improve your soft-boiled egg preparation technique with minimal effort. The next time you’re craving a perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel egg, try the lemon juice trick. You may find that this will also become your new cooking secret.