Will hard boiled eggs be easier to peel after sitting in the refrigerator overnight?

Yes, hard-boiled eggs are generally easier to peel after sitting in the refrigerator overnight or cooling completely due to the following changes that take place:

1. pH balance: As eggs cool after cooking, the pH level of the egg white tends to increase. This slight change in acidity makes the egg white less adhesive to the inner membrane of the eggshell, making it easier to separate and remove the shell.

2. Protein denaturation: During cooking, the proteins in the egg white coagulate and form firm structures. When the eggs are refrigerated, this process continues and strengthens further. The longer the eggs cool, the firmer the protein structure becomes, which helps in easier peelability.

3. Membrane shrinkage: As the eggs cool completely, the inner membrane surrounding the egg white experiences some shrinkage. This shrinking membrane pulls away from the eggshell, creating a small space that eases the peeling process.

4. Fat solidification: The fats present in the egg yolk solidify as the egg cools. This solidifying process aids in smoother peeling by providing a firmer surface for the eggshell to separate from the cooked yolk.

Hence, refrigerating hard-boiled eggs overnight or allowing them to cool thoroughly allows these natural changes to occur, resulting in easier peeling. However, it's important to note that overcooking the eggs can still affect the peeling process, making them harder to peel regardless of cooling.