Why does a green ring appear around hard-boiled eggs?

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You’ve made hard-boiled eggs for your salad, and then… surprise: a green circle surrounds the yolk. It’s common, but far from tasty. Despite the fact that you followed your instructions exactly, why does this minor inconvenience keep occurring? And, above importantly, how do you avoid it without becoming a Michelin-starred chef? Here are all of our tips for perfect hard-boiled eggs that taste as delicious as they look.

 

The culprit? An unexpected chemical reaction

That iconic greenish ring isn’t the result of a poor egg or a failed cooking attempt. It’s merely a reaction between the iron in the yolk and the sulfur in the white that results from overcooking. The end outcome is a little layer of iron sulfide, which is nontoxic but visually unattractive. Fortunately, a few changes are sufficient to eliminate this issue.

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chef Amira Haddad is the creative heart behind FreyFood.com. Known for her love of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, Amira transforms simple recipes into unforgettable meals. With years of home-cooking experience and a passion for Mediterranean and international cuisine, she shares easy, delicious recipes anyone can master — from quick breakfasts to indulgent desserts.