Boiling is a cooking technique in which food is cooked in liquid at a temperature high enough to cause the liquid to bubble and steam.
Boiling is used for a variety of foods, including pasta, vegetables, grains, and soups. It is a fast and easy way to cook food and can help to soften and tenderize tougher cuts of meat or vegetables. Depending on the cooking time and temperature, boiling can result in food that is either tender or firm.
The liquid is heated until it reaches its boiling point, which is typically 100°C (212°F) at sea level. Boiling is often used for pasta, potatoes, vegetables, and eggs, as well as for making soups, stews, and sauces.
Boiling can be done in a pot on the stove, or in an electric kettle or other specialized appliance. Boiling is a rapid and efficient cooking method that cooks food quickly and evenly. However, it can also cause some nutrients to be lost in the cooking liquid, so it may not be the best method for preserving the nutritional value of certain foods.
The boiling point of water varies with altitude, as the air pressure decreases at higher elevations. Here are the boiling points of water at different altitudes:
- Sea level: 100°C (212°F)
- 1,000 feet (305 meters): 98°C (208°F)
- 3,000 feet (914 meters): 95°C (203°F)
- 5,000 feet (1,524 meters): 92°C (197°F)
- 7,500 feet (2,286 meters): 88°C (190°F)
- 10,000 feet (3,048 meters): 85°C (185°F)
At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature due to the reduced air pressure. This can affect the cooking time and temperature of foods and may require adjustments to cooking times and temperatures when using boiling or other high-heat cooking methods, like pressure cooking.
There are variations of boiling, including rapid boiling, rolling boil, and gentle boil.
- Rapid boiling involves keeping the liquid at a high temperature with large bubbles and lots of agitation.
- A rolling boil involves keeping the liquid at a constant temperature with smaller, more consistent bubbles.
- A gentle boil involves keeping the liquid at a lower temperature with smaller, occasional bubbles.