Removing Shells From Hard Boiled Eggs?

Helmut

February 22, 20110 found this helpful

I used to do it the hard way too, until I found the absolute easiest way.

1. Poke a pinhole through the narrow end of the egg shell, just through the outer shell. For just a few eggs use a knife tip, if you have lots to do, a small screw from inside a drawer sticking out the side wall of the drawer about 1/16" works well. That prevents the egg from cracking during boiling and sucks cold water in when cooling.
   
2. Boil the eggs for 3-4 minutes and let them sit covered for 3-4 minutes. That accomplishes the same as a 5-6 minute boil at half the electricity cost.
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3. Gently tip the hot water out and replace with cold running water.
   
4. Remove a penny size piece of shell from the small end, and a quarter size piece from the big end.
   
5. Hold the egg gently but firmly in one hand and blow hard and suddenly into the small end. Catch the egg with the other hand. Don't blow gently building up pressure, but a fast puff like a cough.

Have FUN!
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Linda from Bloomington, IL

February 23, 20110 found this helpful

I crack the shell all over by tapping it of table or counter. Then poke hole in wide end and start peeling.

Maile

February 23, 20110 found this helpful

I always do the first smack on the big end of the egg, then peel with a little water running. The water gets between the egg and the membrane, making it easier to peel.

Irishwitch
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 390 Posts

February 23, 20110 found this helpful

I put the eggs in a bowl of ice water, wait a couple of minutes, then take on egg at a time, run it over hot water, and the shell comes right off!

Eileen M.

February 24, 20110 found this helpful

A friend of mine swear that if you run the pot under cold water right after they are cooked, and rattle the eggs around in the pan a lot, the shells will peel off so easily! Of course you can't do that when you are coloring the eggs, but it works for just regular egg salad, etc.

Suntydt
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February 22, 20110 found this helpful

Yes, fresh eggs do not peel as well as store bought. Don't know why they just don't. If I remember right, if you add a little vinegar to the water when you boil them it will help them peel.

Lisa

February 23, 20110 found this helpful

I agree with Suntydt. I read somewhere (here?) about old vs. new eggs. Old eggs are supposed to be much easier to peel. Using vinegar came up in the discussion, too. I haven't tried the vinegar, because I don't boil eggs very often. However, I did not know about salt keeping them from cracking. That's good to know!

Anonymous

February 24, 20110 found this helpful

My Uncle taught me this trick years ago...add a couple tablespoons of salt ( I add about 3 tablespoons) to the water before boiling the eggs, then boil eggs as you always do with the added salt of course, then as soon as they are done,drain them,then in the same pan shake eggs around to crack the shells,add cold water & peel, I swear they will peel right off!