Hard-boiled eggs are a kitchen staple—perfect for salads, snacks, and meal prep. But nothing ruins that perfect moment like slicing one open only to find a
Even if you follow your recipe exactly, this annoying problem can still happen. So why does the green circle appear
, and more importantly, how can you prevent it easily—without Michelin-star skills?
Let’s break it down.
The culprit behind that greenish-gray ring is
Here’s what happens:
Egg yolks contain iron
Egg whites contain sulfur
When eggs are overcooked or heated for too long, the iron and sulfur react
This reaction forms iron sulfide, which shows up as a green ring around the yolk
This layer is completely harmless and non-toxic, but its appearance is far from appealing—especially if you’re making deviled eggs, salads, or lunchbox snacks.
The good news? A few small changes in how you cook and cool your eggs will stop the reaction completely.
Overcooking is the #1 cause of discoloration.
The ideal approach:
Bring water to a boil
Add cold eggs gently
Cook for 9–12 minutes max, depending on egg size
This prevents the temperature from rising too high—avoiding the sulfur-iron reaction.
The longer eggs stay hot, the greater the chance of turning green.
Right after cooking:
Transfer the eggs to an ice bath
Let them cool for
This stops the cooking process instantly.
This doesn’t affect color, but improves overall results.
Older eggs peel more cleanly, making your final dish look perfect.
Rapid, high heat encourages chemical reactions.
Instead:
Start with cool water
Heat gradually
Remove from heat when done
Your eggs will be evenly cooked and bright yellow inside.
Here’s a reliable, beginner-friendly method:
Place eggs in a single layer in a pot
Cover with cold water by about 1 inch
Bring to a gentle boil
Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes
Transfer eggs immediately to an ice bath
Peel when cool
This method prevents green rings and delivers perfectly set whites and tender, golden yolks.
The green circle around a hard-boiled egg yolk may look strange, but it’s simply a harmless chemical reaction caused by overcooking. With a few easy tweaks—proper timing, rapid cooling, and gentle heat—you can enjoy
You don’t need professional skills—just the right technique.
During the 2024 Hamptons International Film Festival on October 13, Demi Moore received the Career Achievement in Acting Award and took a moment to give an emotional update on her ex-husband Bruce Willis’ health. The 61-year-old actress shared that Willis, now 69, remains “stable” as he continues to battle frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative brain condition he was diagnosed with following an earlier diagnosis of aphasia.
Moore spoke candidly about the reality of living with such a diagnosis in the family, emphasizing the importance of acceptance. “The disease is what the disease is, and you have to deeply accept that,” she said. She noted that while the situation is difficult, there is beauty in choosing to focus on the present moment and appreciating the time they still have together.
She also shared a personal moment, mentioning that she had recently visited Willis with her granddaughter Louetta, Rumer Willis’ daughter. That visit reminded her of the importance of being present and treasuring even the smallest moments: “Being able to share with whatever we have, for however long we have it,” Moore reflected.
Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, who divorced in 2000 but have remained close over the years, share three daughters—Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. Moore has often been seen supporting Willis and his family as they navigate his illness together, showing a deep bond and mutual respect that has lasted long after their marriage ended.
While accepting her award, Moore also reflected on her long and varied career in Hollywood, expressing sincere gratitude for the journey. “It feels like lifetimes,” she said. “Thank God I kept getting opportunities to get better.”
Her words were a touching reminder of resilience—not only in her professional life but also in how she continues to face personal challenges with grace and strength.