Why putting a wooden spoon over the pasta pot really works
Anyone who cooks pasta often knows what it's like to turn your back for two minutes and find the pot overflowing with foam on the stove. The good news? There's a simple, cheap and effective trick that can prevent this mess: place a wooden spoon across the pan while the water boils.
It may sound like magic, but the explanation has everything to do with physics and the behavior of boiling. And the best part: you probably already have this item in your kitchen.
What does the wooden spoon do?
When cooking pasta in boiling water, especially when you add salt, it is common for a dense foam to form on the surface of the water. This foam can quickly rise and spill out of the pot, dirtying the stove and even putting out the fire in the case of gas stoves.
The wooden spoon, positioned horizontally over the edge of the pan, acts in two ways:
- It physically stops the formation of the larger bubbles, which are what cause the overflow.
- Wood doesn't conduct heat like metal, so it stays cooler than the steam. When the bubbles touch the spoon, they burst or dissipate, reducing the volume of the foam.
Does it work with any spoon?
The tip only applies to wooden spoons, as they don't get hot and don't melt in contact with steam. Metal or silicone spoons don't have the same effect (and may even melt, depending on the heat and material).
Important to remember:
This trick helps to control overflow, but is no substitute for attention in the kitchen. If the temperature is too high or the pot is too full, the foam can overflow the wooden spoon.
To avoid this:
- Use a large, tall saucepan.
- Leave at least ⅓ of free space above the water.
- Keep the heat on medium once the water has started to boil.
Now that you know this tip
Placing a wooden spoon over the pasta pot is one of those kitchen tricks that really works - and makes cooking more practical, safer and mess-free. Next time you're cooking, try this simple tip and see the difference. Sometimes the solution lies in the oldest utensils in the kitchen.
Mirella Mendonça
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