There’s nothing more frustrating than having an egg crack while you’re boiling it to perfection. But the question is, can you still add that egg to your breakfast plate or should you toss it out?
In this article, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to eat an egg that has cracked during the boiling process and provide some tips on how to avoid cracked eggs in the first place.
Why Do Eggs Crack While Boiling?
When you’re boiling eggs, the heat causes the water inside the egg to expand and create pressure. When this pressure isn’t released, it can cause the egg to crack. Eggs can also crack if they are subjected to rapid temperature changes, such as moving them from boiling water to ice-cold water.
If the shell cracks during boiling, bacteria can enter the egg, which can cause food poisoning. That’s why it’s important to know if you can still eat the egg or not.
Is it Safe to Eat a Cracked Egg?
The answer to this question is not as simple as a yes or no. If the eggshell is cracked in such a way that the egg white leaks out and the yolk is exposed, then it’s not safe to eat as bacteria from the cooking water can enter the egg and make you sick.
However, if the eggshell is only slightly cracked and the egg white and yolk are still mostly intact, then it’s probably safe to eat. It’s recommended to be cautious and avoid eating eggs where the shell is completely cracked open.
Cooking Cracked Eggs
If you do decide to eat a cracked egg, make sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any potential bacteria that might have entered through the cracked shell. It’s recommended to cook the egg until both the white and yolk are firm. Scrambling the egg is a good way to ensure that it’s fully cooked and any bacteria that entered through the cracked shell is eliminated.
Preventing Cracked Eggs
The best way to prevent eggs from cracking while boiling them is to add them to a pot of cold water and then bring the water to a boil. Placing eggs directly into boiling water can cause the shell to crack as the rapid change in temperature puts too much pressure on the egg’s fragile shell. Selecting fresher eggs with firmer shells will also help decrease the likelihood of eggs cracking during the cooking process.
Other Facts About Eggs
- Older eggs are easier to peel after boiling than fresh ones
- Hard-boiled eggs can last up to a week in the fridge
- Soft-boiled eggs should be eaten immediately after cooking
Nutritional Benefits of Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are the perfect snack or addition to meals. One average-sized boiled egg contains:
- 78 calories
- 6.3g of protein
- 5.3g of fat
- Only 68 mg of sodium
- 0.6g of carbohydrates
Boiled eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and healthy fats, and they might even help you reduce weight. Studies have shown that people who consume boiled eggs for breakfast feel fuller throughout the day than those who eat cereal.
A Few Words on Egg Health
Eggs are a nutritious and healthy food choice, packed with high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s important to note that the yolk is high in cholesterol, which can be a concern for people with heart disease or high cholesterol. If you’re looking to keep your cholesterol in check, consider opting for egg whites instead or limiting your egg intake to a few times a week.
Conclusion
It’s generally safe to eat a slightly cracked egg as long as the shell isn’t completely broken open and the egg is thoroughly cooked. To avoid cracked eggs, it’s recommended to add eggs to cold water and bring it to a boil slowly. Remember, eggs are a healthy and nutritious food choice when eaten in moderation, so make sure to add them to your diet.
