Have you ever wondered why some people drop a few slices of lemon into the pot when boiling eggs? It’s not just a random habit—it actually comes with some surprising benefits.

While this isn’t the only trick for perfect boiled eggs, it’s definitely a useful one for anyone looking to elevate their cooking skills and make their boiled eggs even better.

Why Should You Add Lemon When Boiling Eggs?

Many people don’t fully understand why some chefs add lemon to the boiling water. Here are some key benefits:

1. Makes Peeling the Shell Easier

One of the main reasons people add lemon to boiling eggs is to make peeling them easier. This is especially useful for eggs that have been refrigerated or boiled for a long time.

Lemon contains citric acid, which helps soften the eggshell, reducing the adhesion between the shell and the egg white. This makes it much easier to peel without damaging the egg—particularly important when presentation matters.

2. Prevents Eggs from Cracking

Eggs are prone to cracking when exposed to high heat or sudden temperature changes. The citric acid in lemon not only softens the shell but also makes it more flexible, reducing the chances of cracks when placed in boiling water.

As a result, you’ll get perfectly intact eggs without any deformities.

3. Keeps Eggs Fresh and Reduces Odor

Lemon’s natural acidity helps preserve freshness by minimizing bacterial growth that can cause spoilage. When boiling older eggs, lemon also improves their taste by reducing any unpleasant odor—especially helpful for eggs that haven’t been stored properly.

4. Gives Eggs a Bright, Glossy Appearance

Adding lemon to the water can slightly alter the eggshell’s color, making it shinier and more visually appealing. You might notice this subtle yet valuable difference the next time you try boiling eggs with lemon.

How to Boil Eggs with a Fresh Lemon Twist

Ingredients:

• Eggs (as many as needed)
• A few slices of fresh lemon

Start by placing the eggs in a pot and boiling them as usual. Slice some fresh lemon and add it to the pot. Let the water boil for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat. If you prefer fully cooked eggs, let them sit in the hot water for a little longer to ensure the yolk is completely set.

Once done, remove the eggs and peel them. The shell should come off easily—sometimes even in one piece—without any struggle. The result? Smooth, beautifully boiled eggs!

From here, you can use the eggs in a variety of delicious dishes, such as braised eggs with pork or soy-marinated eggs.

If you don’t have lemon, you can try adding a bit of salt or white vinegar to the boiling water instead. These also help soften the shell and make peeling easier.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

While adding lemon to boiling eggs has many benefits, there are a few things to consider for the best results:

• Use lemon in moderation: A few slices or a small amount of lemon juice is enough. Using too much can make the eggs taste slightly sour, altering the flavor in an undesirable way.
• Ensure the water covers the eggs by about 2-3 cm (about an inch): The water level should be just above the eggs, and it’s best to keep the lid off while boiling.
• Control the heat: When boiling eggs with lemon, make sure the water isn’t boiling too aggressively. This helps prevent cracking due to sudden temperature changes.
• Choose fresh eggs: While lemon enhances the freshness of eggs, it won’t work miracles on eggs that are already old. Always opt for fresh eggs for the best results.

By following these simple tips, you can make boiling eggs easier, tastier, and more visually appealing. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!