Question

Why is vinegar added to the water when poaching eggs?

a. to prevent a green ring from forming around the yolk
b. to prevent the white from spreading
c. to prevent overcooking
d. for flavor

Answer 1

a. to prevent a green ring from forming around the yolk. Vinegar is added to the water when poaching eggs to prevent the white from spreading and a green ring from forming around the yolk.

Step-by-step explanation:

Vinegar is added to the water when poaching eggs for two main reasons:

1. Firstly, vinegar helps to prevent the white from spreading. It helps to coagulate the proteins in the egg white, allowing it to stay together and form a neat shape as it cooks.
2. Secondly, vinegar helps to prevent the green ring from forming around the yolk. This green ring is caused by a reaction between iron in the egg yolk and sulfur in the egg white. Adding vinegar to the water helps to lower the pH level, reducing the likelihood of this reaction and preventing the green ring from forming.

So, the correct answer is a. to prevent a green ring from forming around the yolk and b. to prevent the white from spreading. It is not added for flavor or to prevent overcooking.