Q&A for How to Boil Eggs

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  • Question
    I just want to know if the eggs float when you put them in the water, are they still good eggs?
    Community Answer
    No. Fresh eggs sink in water. If it floats to the surface, it's bad.
  • Question
    How does boiling help the egg?
    Community Answer
    It's just a way to prepare the egg for eating. You should always cook eggs somehow before eating to kill the bacteria in them. Boiling is the simplest and healthiest method.
  • Question
    Why don't microwaves boil things?
    Community Answer
    Microwaves will boil liquids, but every type of heat is not appropriate for every kind of cooking.
  • Question
    What if the egg broke in the boiling water?
    Community Answer
    The egg will be fine to eat. The white may leak out a little and it might be a little misshapen, but it doesn't affect the quality.
  • Question
    Can I boil eggs in a microwave?
    Community Answer
    No. Microwaves do not boil things. Use a pot on the stove top.
  • Question
    Is boiling carrots the same as boiling eggs?
    Community Answer
    No. See How to Cook Carrots and follow Methods 1 and 4.
  • Question
    Do I need to wash my eggs before boiling them?
    Community Answer
    No, you don't need to wash your eggs (unless they are farm-fresh, in which case it would be a good idea).
  • Question
    Can I boil an egg in an aluminum pan in an oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes?
    Community Answer
    It is not recommended to do this. You should try one of the other methods for best results.
  • Question
    Can I boil an egg inside of a kettle?
    Community Answer
    Sure, though cleanup could be a mess if the egg breaks.
  • Question
    How long should the water stay boiling for before I turn off the heat?
    Jeannie L
    Community Answer
    To soft boil an egg, place in 1” covered pot of boiling water for 6 minutes (US Grade Large). Yoke will be soft and thickened. To hard boil an egg, the time needed is 15 minutes in boiling water covering eggs 1 - 2”. Any time after this, the heat can be removed.
  • Question
    Is it OK to boil eggs for more than 20 minutes?
    Jeannie L
    Community Answer
    Cooking longer can cosmetically brown the area where the shell touches the pan. Over-boiling an egg while water still is in the pan does not harm the quality of the egg. If you accidentally overcook until pan is dry, the shell will crack, sometimes exploding egg, and the area of white is will brown on surface area where shell touched pan. This cosmetic effect does not hurt the egg for consumption, but the texture and taste may be altered. (Just place it in a covered container for use as egg salad or another dish, observing the 24-hour guideline.)
  • Question
    Is it OK if the yellow yolk turns black after boiling?
    Jeannie L
    Community Answer
    This egg is burnt - not suggested for consumption. Throw it out and start over.
  • Question
    Why does the yolk start to turn green?
    Jeannie L
    Community Answer
    The sulfur in the egg white and iron in yolk react when boiled too long. This does not harm the egg.
  • Question
    Are boiled eggs healthy?
    Katniss73
    Community Answer
    Eggs are a source of protein, so if you don't put anything unhealthy on them (like too much salt or a fatty dressing), then they are very good for you. Like anything though, don't rely on a diet of just boiled eggs!
  • Question
    If I want to boil just 1 egg, are the boiling and simmering times the same?
    Estelle
    Community Answer
    The boiling and simmering times remain the same. With an egg stove you can even faster and easier your breakfast eggs.
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