Hard-boiled eggs are not only delicious but consuming them can give you a series of strong health benefits. They represent an excellent source of protein, they’re rich in nutrients, they’re low in carbohydrates, and they even promote satiety. In other words, it’s a great idea to regularly consume hard-boiled eggs as part of a balanced diet.
A lot of people wonder if it’s a good idea to freeze hard-boiled eggs, and for a good reason. Keeping them in the freezer will allow you to keep those eggs for longer.
It’s usually ok to freeze hard-boiled eggs
In general, it’s ok to freeze those hard-boiled eggs that you’ve just made. However, you know what they say that you can’t have them all in life, and that’s also available here as you need to keep in mind a few things if you wish to put hard-boiled eggs in the freezer:
Shell removal
Before freezing the hard-boiled eggs, it’s a good idea to remove the eggshells. The reason is simple: those eggshells can crack during freezing, but that’s not all. They can also absorb specific odors from the freezer.
Slicing
Before freezing hard-boiled eggs, it’s a good idea to slice or chop them before the freezing process, especially if you plan to use those eggs in salads or in other dishes. In this way, it becomes easier to use such eggs in recipes even without the need to thaw them entirely.
Proper storage
You need to store the peeled and sliced hard-boiled eggs in an airtight container or freezer bag so that freezer burn can be prevented and quality can be maintained. It’s also a good idea to date and label the container, as in this way, you will keep track of how long those eggs have been in the freezer.
Texture change
You need to keep in mind that by freezing hard-boiled eggs, their texture can be altered. After you freeze and thaw the eggs, they can become a bit rubbery or watery compared to eggs that have been freshly boiled. However, the change in texture will be more noticeable in the yolks than in the whites of the eggs.
Freezing duration
If you want to enjoy the best quality from hard-boiled eggs that are safely stored in the freezer, it’s best to eat them within a few months. Their texture may deteriorate more over time, meaning that they won’t be as attractive for your appetite anymore.
Thawing
Once you’ve decided to include hard-boiled eggs in your meals after you’ve frozen them, you first need to transfer them from the freezer to a refrigerator. You will have to let them thaw slowly, and it’s recommended to keep them at room temperature, as in this way, potential bacterial growth can be prevented.
However, you need to keep in mind that hard-boiled eggs after freezing might be less suitable for some applications, such as serving as a snack or on their own. That’s because the texture of the eggs will change after freezing them.
