Eggs are a staple in almost everyone’s diet. They’re packed with protein, contain no sugar, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a snack, eggs fit in perfectly. Among all the ways to prepare eggs, hard-boiled ones are especially popular because they’re so easy and quick to make.

But have you ever noticed that weird green ring around the yolk? It’s not exactly appetizing, right? The good news is that this green ring doesn’t have to happen, and you can easily prevent it. Want to know how? Keep reading!

The greenish-gray ring appears around the yolk of a hard-boiled egg because of improper cooking. In fact, it’s a sign that the egg has been overcooked. Just like how meat or rice can become dark or burnt when left cooking too long, eggs can also change color when they’re not handled right.

So what causes this color change? It’s all about chemistry. When the egg is overcooked, hydrogen sulfide from the egg white reacts with iron from the yolk. This reaction leads to that greenish color you see. While it might look unpleasant, it’s still safe to eat — but it can certainly make your eggs less appetizing.

So how can you make sure you don’t end up with the green ring? The secret lies in cooking your eggs for the right amount of time. That’s the key to getting perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every single time.

Now, there’s a bit of debate over the exact cooking time for hard-boiled eggs, but most people agree that 10 to 12 minutes is the sweet spot. Any less and the eggs might be too soft; any more, and you’re risking that green ring.

Here’s a simple trick: the next time you’re boiling eggs, just set a timer. You can use your kitchen timer or even the timer on your phone. Once the eggs are done, immediately cool them in ice water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from overcooking.

With these steps, you can make sure your eggs come out looking as good as they taste, without that pesky green ring!