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How to 'Peel' Hard-Boiled Eggs Without Peeling

Hard-boiled eggs can be annoying and time consuming to peel. In this video, master of time management Tim Ferris (author of the great book, The Four Hour Work Week), demonstrates how easy it is to get the egg without having to peel it!

Instructions:

  1. Cover the eggs with water and boil on low for about 12 minutes
  2. Cool the eggs by placing them in cold water with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ice. The baking soda raises the pH level and reduces adherence. If you choose not to use baking soda, be sure to move the eggs into cold water with plenty of ice immediately after boiling
  3. Crack the top of the egg and remove a small piece
  4. Crack the bottom (wide end) of the egg and remove a small piece
  5. Hold the egg in your hand and blow vigorously into the narrow end of the egg, which will expel it out the wide end

Doesn’t get much easier than that! Just be ready to catch it when it comes out…

For tips and guidelines on selecting the freshest and healthiest eggs, please see the links listed under Related Articles.


Warning: Video contains mild profanity, parental guidance suggested.

Sources:

Related Links:



Comment on This Article Community Comments (56)
 
 
Posted On Jul 10, 2008
Where's Luci Lock?  I want Luci Lock!

Islander, I didn't know that about store-bought eggs.  Ick!

 
Katie B
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 1/2008
Katie B  
 
 
 
Posted On Jul 08, 2008
In the blog Mr. Ferris said to put the baking soda in the water before boiling the eggs.


 
Reesacat
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 1/2007
Reesacat  
 
 
 
Posted On Jul 09, 2008
Most store-bought eggs peel easily because they are not very fresh. The fresher the egg, the tighter the shell clings to  the boneless chicken inside. I'll bet his method would not work well on farm-fresh eggs.

(I'll try it and get back to you!)

 
Islander
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 3/2007
Islander  
Replied

nanciesweb
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2006
nanciesweb  
 
Posted On Jul 10, 2008
I bet it depends on what the chickens are fed, too.


A Storm
Novice User Novice User Joined On 6/2006
A Storm  
 
Posted On Jul 29, 2008

I won't be putting something that came out of that end of a chicken to my mouth, boiled or not!!   ;)

Being a long time veggie, I don't 'do' eggs anyway.  Plus, I have a bird phobia :(



Tnviv
Novice User Novice User Joined On 9/2008
Tnviv  
 
Posted On Sep 07, 2008

nanciesweb, you bet and if you know anything about all the hormones they feed the chickens these days, it would scare you. I am sure that what they are fed plays a role in that also. I have always put my eggs in cold water to set for a few mins. I have never had a problem but with my next boiled egg I intend to try this one.

As for as germs go.......well we are invaded with them everywhere we go. I know that was not you that made that comment but I thought I would mention that  doors, cabinet drawers, shopping carts, and everything we touch around us is full of germs......we just have to hope that we get the good ones and not the bad ones. We all need some good germs. Thing about how many people handle our produce......we can be careful or try, but we can't stay in fear or we become a Howard Hughes. Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm having his money might not be bad! Have a great day!


 
 
 
Posted On Jul 24, 2008

I think raw eggs are much better (great in a milk shake!). And if hard-cooking them anyway, eight minutes is usually enough, so the 4 minutes of time you save you can use to peel them the old-school way.

But it's a nice trick though, and actually I'm going to try it once just for fun!


 
Aldhissla
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 3/2008
Aldhissla  
 
 
 
Posted On Jul 24, 2008

I never have a problem peeling eggs.  I just boil them, then crack them under the cooling water so that water gets under the shell.  Once the water gets between the shell and the egg, the shell comes right off -- without spitting at the egg.  That may be ok if you eat the egg yourself, but what about others?  I may re-think eating someone else's egg salad or devilled eggs!  And I'm not being a germaphobe.  I do prefer to choose who I kiss!


 
CCurtis
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 7/2007
CCurtis  
 
 
 
 
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