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Peeling isn't just for hard-boiled eggs; you can separate the shell from an unboiled egg simply by soaking it in vinegar! Not only will you be left with a "naked egg," but you'll also have a chemistry lesson to go along![1]
Steps
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1Place the egg in a tall glass, jar, or a plastic cup and fill the glass with white vinegar, submerging the egg.
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2Leave the egg in the vinegar for a full 24 hours. Look closely. Do you see any bubbles forming on the shell? To see the best reaction place your face above the egg.Advertisement
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3Change the vinegar on the second day. Carefully pour the old vinegar down the drain and cover the egg with fresh vinegar. But remember, use a strainer to catch the egg so it does not fall down the drain. Place the glass with the vinegar and egg in a safe place for 1 day- Don't disturb the egg, but pay close attention the bubbles forming on the surface of the shell (or what's left of it).
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4Pour off the vinegar and carefully rinse the egg with water. The egg now looks translucent because the outside shell is gone! The only thing that remains is the delicate membrane of the egg!
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5Remember to take pictures day by day of the egg and take notes! (for a science project!)
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6Finished.
Community Q&A
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QuestionDoes it work if I use a boiled egg?
Community AnswerYes, it would still work. However, if the egg is boiled, it would probably be simpler to just peel it. -
QuestionWhat happens if the egg stays in the vinegar for more than 24 hours?
Community AnswerThe egg may become heavier than if you had left it in for less than one day, but your egg will still be naked. -
QuestionHow many day does it take to make this project?
Community AnswerThe longer you do it, the more effective it is. There are ways to speed it up, though. You can refrigerate it or add vinegar with more than 4% acidic acid.
Warnings
- The egg is very breakable, so be careful when holding it.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- This activity requires adult supervision.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Don't eat this egg. (In fact, do not eat raw eggs at all—cook them first to kill bacteria that can make you sick.)⧼thumbs_response⧽
Things You'll Need
- Raw egg (or hard boiled egg)
- Jar, plastic cup, or glass cup.
- Vinegar
- Notebook (optional)
About This Article
To make a naked egg, start by placing an egg in a tall glass and filling the glass with enough white vinegar to cover it. Then, let the egg soak in the vinegar for 24 hours before draining the glass and refilling it with fresh vinegar. Finally, let the egg sit for another 24 hours before draining the vinegar and rinsing the egg off with water. To learn how to make an egg bouncy like a rubber ball using vinegar, scroll down!
