Food takes longer to cook in boiling water at high altitudes.
High altitudes affect the physical conditions around us. The higher up you go, the less dense the air becomes, and that less-dense air exerts less atmospheric pressure on the items in that air. Water boils when the vapor inside the water is greater than the downward pressure exerted by the atmosphere. Since the atmospheric pressure is less intense at higher altitude, the water will boil even easier than at lower elevations. Basically, water boils in the same way, just at cooler temperatures.
Instructions
1. Fill a kettle or pot three-quarters full with water.
2. Place the pot over a heat source such as a fire, stovetop or Bunsen burner. Turn the heat source to high heat, if possible.
3. Wait for the water to boil. Since the atmospheric pressure is lower--depending on the elevator--water will boil at a lower temperature than the 212 degrees Fahrenheit required at sea level.
4. Increase the cooking time for any food prepared in the boiling water to compensate for the lower boiling temperature. Watch the food to prevent over- or under-cooking. The length of increased time will vary, depending on the elevation.
Tags: atmospheric pressure, boiling water, heat source, Since atmospheric, Since atmospheric pressure, will boil