Why do cooks add salt to the water?

Answer 1

First, salt does not prevent sticking, nor does it significantly increase the boiling point of water. Salt should be added because you should always season every element of food that you eat. Cooking pasta in salted water means that the pasta will absorb some of the salt and therefore not taste bland. This cannot be corrected by salting the pasta later or adding salt to the sauce. All you end up that way is bland pasta with a salty exterior. You really should add quite a bit of salt to the water so it tastes like water from the ocean (don't worry, most of this will go down the drain, salt is cheap anyway). Really, pasta cooked in plain water is ultimately only good for the trash can.

With regard to adding oil to the pot of water, this is also a BIG mistake. I've heard various claims that it will help keep the water from boiling over, as well as that it keeps the pasta from sticking. First, if the water is boiling over, then just lower the heat. You don't need a raging flame under your pot to maintain a boil. I usually drop it down to medium-low or so on my stove. Second, if your pasta is sticking together, it means you're not using enough water. Ultimately, the addition of oil will inhibit the sauce from sticking to the pasta and will again result in bland pasta.

Try to use at least 4-5 quarts for a lb. and put a couple tablespoons of salt in it. Cook till al dente, usually the lower number on the box (i.e., if it says cook 7-9 minutes, cook for 7, then immediately add the pasta to hot sauce (enough to coat the pieces, but not for them to swim in), stir around, let sit for a couple minutes covered, then serve.

Anybody can make pasta, few make it well. Bon appetit!

Answer 2

Adding salt increases the boiling temperature* of the water for any food you wish to cook by boiling, which decreases the cooking time for the food. It also adds flavor, sodium and iodine (if using an iodized salt).

* - It should be noted that this temperature increase is infinitesimal and would only cut a few seconds off the boiling time in the best case scenario.

Answer 3

The only reason to add salt is to enhance the flavor of the vegetables or pasta that you're cooking. It has no ability to speed the cooking or boiling of water; in fact, many authorities believe salt only slows cooking time and toughens vegetables. I recommend you add the salt to the veggies after they're done.

Answer 4

It gives the potatoes flavor while they are cooking so they come out delicious and not bland! :)

Answer 5

to add flavor to the food as well as increasing the boiling point of water

Answer 6

When you add salt to boiling water, the temperature at which water boils is increased

Answer 7

Salt is added to improve the taste of foods.