Are you searching for a foolproof method for hard boiling farm fresh eggs? Look no further – I’ve got you covered. Honestly though, getting that perfect hard boiled and easy peel egg can be a bit challenging. Then add in another challenge and try it on farm fresh eggs! Yikes!
I didn’t even know that there would be a difference in boiling store bought vs farm fresh eggs until we got laying hens a few years ago.
You yourself might be wondering why there is such a big difference….
One word – membrane. The membrane of the egg sticks to the shell more the younger the egg is. So, those farm fresh eggs are going to have a membrane that literally holds on to the shell making the boil and peel a bit more challenging.
Store bought eggs can sometimes be a couple of weeks old by the time you purchase them and bring them home to boil. Therefore, the membrane has already started detaching itself.
Learning all of these things had me searching for the way to hard boil and peel my eggs perfectly. Hard boiled eggs are after all one of my favorite snacks.
And who doesn’t love a fresh egg salad sandwich after a hot day with your hands in the garden?
There is a ton of different ways and methods out there so after some trial and error I found and blended together a pretty foolproof method that works for me. Maybe it will work for you too!
Foolproof Method For Hard Boiling Farm Fresh Eggs
Step 1 – Egg test
When going to use your eggs if there isn’t any obvious odor indicating they have spoiled you will need to do an egg test to test the level of freshness.
See my article here for more information and step by step instructions on a farm fresh egg test : Sink or Float: How To Test Farm Fresh Eggs
The very best eggs for hard boiling are eggs that are not at their most fresh. Roughly 3-4 days old or that sink but stand up in the water.
This is going to indicate an egg with the best membrane attachment that will ensure easier peeling at the end.
Step 2 – Washing Eggs
The best way to keep fresh eggs is to keep them unwashed – they will last longer.
Unwashed and at room temperature your farm fresh eggs will last a couple of weeks. Unwashed and refrigerated? They could last even a couple of months!
The reason behind this is the “bloom” or the protective coating that covers the shell pores to prevent from bacteria from entering the egg stays in tact. Once the bloom is removed by washing the egg is susceptible to bacteria.
Step 3- Water Boil
Bring your saucepan with water to a rolling boil stove top. Then, use a spoon to gently place your eggs into the boiling water.
Add a dash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to the water. Vinegar is known to help in breaking the egg shell down a bit, assisting in an easier peel in the end.
Once all of your eggs are in – set a timer for 15 minutes, uncovered.
Step 4 – Ice Bath
While your eggs are boiling, prepare a bowl with iced water. The more ice – the better. You want these eggs to get shocked when they are dropped into the water.
After your 15 minute boil is up, use a slotted spoon to transfer your eggs one by one into the ice bath. Make sure to go slowly so that you don’t crack anything.
Set a timer and let them sit in the ice bath for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Peel and Use
I highly recommend peeling your eggs under cold running water. It helps get underneath the membrane and removes the loose parts of the shell as you go.
Typically, I notice a huge difference in the difficulty level if I do this step away from water.
It will also help in continuing to cool them down if the ice bath didn’t completely do the trick.
One simple tap to a hard surface and peel away.
As you see here- they are clean, silky smooth hard boiled farm fresh eggs all ready to snack on!
I hope that this method works for you. Hard boiled eggs are a great way to use up an over abundance of eggs if your layers are anything like mine and take their job seriously!
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Love, light and a little grace…
-Olivia
Olivia Whalen is mama to three young girls who is devoted to creative learning, exploration and free range imagination. Olivia enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to preparing homemade baby food or meals for her family. She most enjoys allowing the little minds in her life to flourish and with that you will see her write about creative kid crafts, recipes that fit a family budget and keep everyone asking for more, tips and tricks for a tiny babe, and beginner homesteader fun! Some of her hobbies include gardening, hiking, reading, cooking or just basking in motherhood.