How Scientists Say to Cook the Perfect Egg
The Secret to Achieving the Perfect Boiled Egg
Scientists have cracked the code for boiling the perfect egg, and it’s a recipe you can test for yourself. The perfect boiled egg has a velvety yolk paired with a soft, solid white.
The Challenge of Cooking the Perfect Egg
Achieving this balance can be a challenge because the yolk cooks at a lower temperature than the white. Hard boiling an egg can yield a chalky yolk, while cooking low and slow can produce jelly-like, undercooked whites.
The Science Behind the Perfect Egg
Researchers cooked hundreds of eggs and used math to tackle this runny conundrum. One equation dealt with how heat travels between a hot surface and an egg; another captured how the egg’s contents morph from liquid to solid with a gel-like state in between.
The Periodic Cooking Method
Their final recipe involves transferring eggs in a steamer basket every two minutes between two bowls of water — one boiling and the other lukewarm at 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) — for a total of 32 minutes before cooling under running water and peeling.
“You could definitely do this at home with half a dozen eggs or so,” said Gregory Weiss, a chemist at the University of California, Irvine, who was not involved with the research.
The Results
In the method proposed by the researchers, dubbed periodic cooking, the egg whites are heated and cooled until fully set. The yolk, on the other hand, held firm at a constant temperature and cooked until creamy.
“You can almost spread it, like on bread,” said study author Emilia Di Lorenzo from the University of Naples Federico II.
The Verdict
To confirm they had cooked up something new, the researchers tested the chemical makeup of the prepared eggs and served them to a panel of eight tasters alongside traditional boiled eggs.
The research was published Thursday in the journal Communications Engineering.
The Takeaway
This new technique could mean more time in the kitchen compared to a standard hard-boiled egg, said food scientist Joanne Slavin from the University of Minnesota. But the blend of textures on the tongue could be worth the extra time.
“This is a slower process to get a better outcome,” said Slavin, who had no role in the study.
Conclusion
The periodic cooking method offers a new way to achieve the perfect boiled egg. With a little extra time and effort, you can enjoy a velvety yolk and soft, solid white.
FAQs
Q: How long does the periodic cooking method take?
A: The method involves transferring eggs in a steamer basket every two minutes between two bowls of water for a total of 32 minutes.
Q: Can I cook more than a dozen eggs at a time?
A: Yes, you can cook multiple eggs at once using the periodic cooking method.
Q: Will this method work for large or extra-large eggs?
A: Yes, the method can be used for larger eggs, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I use this method to cook deviled eggs?
A: Yes, the periodic cooking method can be used to cook deviled eggs. Simply cook the eggs, then peel and halve them before filling with your desired ingredients.
