How Long Should You Boil Eggs? Tips to Avoid the Green Ring

Boiling eggs sounds simple, but anyone who’s peeled a hard-boiled egg to find a strange green ring around the yolk knows it’s not always straightforward. While the egg is still safe to eat, the green ring is often seen as a sign of overcooking — and for many, it can be unappetizing. So how long should you actually boil eggs to get the perfect result? And how can you avoid that off-putting discoloration? Let’s break it down.

🕒 How Long to Boil Eggs

The answer depends on how you like your yolks — soft, medium, or hard. Here’s a simple guide for boiling large eggs:

• Soft-boiled eggs (slightly runny yolk): 6–7 minutes
• Medium-boiled eggs (jammy yolk): 8–9 minutes
• Hard-boiled eggs (fully cooked yolk): 10–12 minutes

Start with eggs in a saucepan filled with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, turn off the heat (or reduce to a gentle simmer), cover the pot, and start timing.

🟢 What Causes the Green Ring Around the Yolk?

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