SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/high-altitude-boiling-cook-longer

Camping high in the mountains, why does your pasta take longer to cook?

Water boils at a lower temperature up high, so food cooks slower.

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The Just Right card

Too littleSame cooking time as at home
Too muchBoiling is impossible up high
Just rightBoil a bit longer than the box says

Huh, didn't know that: At 10,000 feet, water boils at about 193°F.

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What's the best thing about Switzerland? I don't know, but the flag is a big plus.
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References

Answer: Water boils at a lower temperature up high. Higher up, there's less air pressing down, so water boils before it gets as hot. Boiling water at 5,000 feet is about 203°F instead of 212°F, so food needs more time.

  1. Colorado State University Extension: High Elevation Food Preparation Guide extension.colostate.edu/resource/high-elevation-food-preparation-guide
    foods prepared by boiling or simmering cook at a lower temperature at high elevation than at sea level
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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