How do I get the egg shell to separate from the white when cooking a hard boiled egg without overcooking it.
*Update*
It appears that the sitting for 10 days method is the most frequently cited online. I think I will give the reward to Justin for the most comprehensive answer.
People succeed in answering Rich Collins's questions 37% of the time (32 successes in 86 attempts).
Answers by: Justin Lilly | michael | CC | JJeffryes | producemedia
Q: Why do shells stick to hard-boiled eggs? How can I peel them easily?
A: We've seen a lot of questions recently about hard-boiled eggs. For some, the problem is the shells sticking, others want to know how to prevent that "green halo" from forming around the yolk. Fear not, if you cook your hard-boiled eggs properly the yolks will be a beautiful yellow and the shells will slip right off.
First, let's address the issue of eggs sticking to shells. To prevent this, use eggs that are a week to 10 days old. Older eggs have a different pH from new eggs, which researchers say affects peeling. We also find that cooling eggs immediately after cooking in an ice bath makes them easier to peel.
But really, what good is an easy-to-peel egg if it is going to have that ugly green center? The green is made by the iron in the yolk combining with the sulfur in the white. Heat is a big foe of this chemical reaction. The longer you cook eggs, the more likely you are to end up with that green ring. The trick is to cook eggs just until the yolk is set without overcooking them. Removing the eggs from the hot water to an ice bath immediately after cooking will also help prevent the green from forming.
The best way to make easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs with pure yellow centers is to place the eggs in a pot of cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and remove from heat and let sit for 13 minutes. Drain the eggs and immediately place in an ice bath until completely cooled. Drain and enjoy your perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs.
–Food Network Kitchens
(foodnetwork.com)