in

Pierce Eggs: What’s Behind the Tip?

The tip to pierce the eggs before cooking comes from grandmother’s times. This is supposed to protect the eggs from cracking during cooking. The idea is that when heated, the air in the small air pocket that sits at the thick end of the egg expands and can crack the shell. The hole in the shell is intended to prevent this. Regardless of whether you are cooking in a pot or in an egg cooker, the clear recommendation according to old custom is: Better to pierce!

In a WDR experiment a few years ago, 3,000 eggs were boiled, half of them pricked, the other half without a hole. The result: Regardless of whether it was pierced or not, about every tenth egg burst in the test.

So you see, in the end, it is probably a question of faith or a matter of habit whether you prick the egg or not. However, if you prick it, then you are on the right page! The air bubble is on the thicker side of the egg. If the shape doesn’t make it clear, simply place the egg in water. The side that floats further up is then the right one to prick. The easiest way to pierce is with an egg pick, but you can also simply use a pin. Just be careful not to slip off the smooth shell and accidentally prick yourself.

Tips and tricks to prevent eggs from cracking

So piercing the eggs doesn’t seem certain to achieve the desired effect. Nevertheless, we have a few tips for you on how to make the perfect breakfast egg:

  • Eggs often burst open because the temperature difference between the egg and the boiling water is too great, causing tension in the shell, which can then manifest itself in the shell breaking open. So make sure you take the eggs out of the fridge in time before cooking to bring the eggs to room temperature and then slide them into the hot water. Also read why you should store eggs in the fridge.
  • A little vinegar in the cooking water does not prevent the egg from bursting, but it ensures that the egg white that comes out coagulates more quickly, closing the hole in the egg and the result is still edible and attractive.
  • Gently place the eggs in the hot water with a spoon. Any hairline crack, no matter how small, can cause the ice to burst.

It is very important that you do not get too annoyed about cracked eggs! You can still eat them, and for delicious recipes like our Scottish eggs, feel free to boil an extra egg if one should crack.

Avatar photo

Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Grilling Trout: Various Options for Maximum Enjoyment

How Can I Season Spinach?