Boiling the perfect egg has always been tricky because egg whites and yolks need different temperatures to cook just right. But now, scientists have found a game-changing method called periodic cooking. This new technique switches the eggs between hot and lukewarm water to cook both parts evenly without overcooking.
A study published in Communications Engineering explains how periodic cooking creates the perfect texture while keeping more nutrients than traditional boiling methods. Unlike hard-boiling or sous vide cooking, this approach maintains an ideal balance between a well-set egg white and a creamy, jelly-like yolk.
How It Works
Researchers at the University of Naples Federico II avoided trial-and-error testing and instead used advanced heat transfer models. This helped them figure out the best cooking conditions. They tested different cooking methods on 160 eggs, including hard-boiling, soft-boiling, sous vide, and periodic cooking.
The periodic cooking process involves:
- Submerging eggs in boiling water (100°C / 212°F) for 2 minutes
- Moving them to lukewarm water (30°C / 86°F) for 2 minutes
- Repeating the cycle 8 times, for a total of 32 minutes
This technique keeps the yolk at 67°C (152.6°F), while the egg white reaches temperatures between 87°C and 100°C (188.6°F to 212°F). This ensures both parts reach their best consistency without overcooking.
Why It’s Better
- Perfect Texture – The yolk stays soft and creamy, while the egg white sets without being rubbery.
- More Nutrients – This method preserves the highest levels of polyphenols, compounds that help prevent cell damage.
- Even Cooking – Traditional methods cause uneven temperatures, but periodic cooking keeps a steady balance.
Although this technique delivers the best-boiled egg, not everyone may want to wait 32 minutes. Some chefs believe it’s a great innovation, while others think people prefer faster methods.
If you want to try it, be mindful that undercooked eggs can carry a risk of foodborne illness. However, for those willing to test it, periodic cooking offers a unique way to get the perfect egg every time.
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