What is High Altitude Cooking?
High altitude cooking refers to the special considerations given to cooking or baking at altitudes above 3,000 feet. At high altitudes, where the air is thinner and there is less oxygen and atmospheric pressure, the temperature and time at which foods are cooked are affected. For example, at 2,000 feet above sea level, the boiling temperature of water changes from 212 degrees Fahrenheit to 208. Most cookbooks consider 3,000 feet and higher to be high altitude cooking and provide special instructions for preparing recipes. Similarly, boxed foods also provide preparation instructions for high altitude cooking if the food preparation will be affected.
