Why boiled eggs turn grey and whether they are still safe to eat

Importantly, the colour change itself does not mean the egg has gone bad. “If the egg was fresh before cooking, cooked correctly, and stored properly, the grey ring is typically harmless, and the egg is safe to eat. The main drawback is that overcooking can make the yolk drier, firmer, and a bit less enjoyable in texture,” noted Sheikh.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

To avoid this, cook the eggs just until they are set, then transfer them to cold or ice water. “This halts the cooking process and makes them easier to peel. Try not to leave eggs boiling for much longer than necessary,” said Sheikh.

From a food safety standpoint, how you store the egg matters more. “A boiled egg left at room temperature for too long, one with a strange rotten smell, slimy texture, or other signs of spoilage should not be eaten, regardless of whether the yolk has a grey ring,” emphasised Sheikh.

Here’s what you should note (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Eggs provide high-quality protein and nutrients like vitamin B12 and choline. “Therefore, the grey ring is not a reason to avoid eggs; it typically just indicates that the egg cooked a little too long,” said Sheikh.

So, while a grey-green ring around a fresh, properly stored boiled egg is usually harmless, discard it if there is a bad smell, unusual texture, or uncertainty about storage.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.