Learned a new thing today

Learned a New Thing Today: How to Prevent Pots from Boiling Over

Anyone who has spent time in the kitchen knows the frustration of a pot boiling over. It’s a common occurrence that can lead to a messy stovetop, wasted ingredients, and even potential burns. Whether you’re boiling pasta, potatoes, or rice, the moment you turn your back, the pot seems to have a mind of its own. This frequent kitchen mishap not only creates extra cleanup but can also disrupt the cooking process, leading to unevenly cooked food. Fortunately, there’s a simple trick that can help prevent this problem with minimal effort.

Understanding the Science Behind Boiling Over
Boiling over happens when the liquid in a pot heats up and produces bubbles that rise to the surface. As the bubbles burst, they release steam and cause the liquid to expand. If the pot is too full or the heat is too high, the bubbles can overflow and spill liquid onto the stovetop. Starchy foods like pasta and rice make this situation worse, as they release starch into the water, creating foam that traps steam and increases the likelihood of boiling over.