What holds food above boiling water in a pot or pan?

Here's how it works:

* Boiling Water: When water boils, it turns into steam (water vapor). This steam is less dense than air and rises.

* Convection: The rising steam creates a layer of hot, humid air above the boiling water. This layer acts like a barrier, preventing the food from directly contacting the boiling water.

* Heat Transfer: The heat from the boiling water is transferred to the food through the steam, cooking it.

Essentially, the steam acts as a medium for heat transfer, allowing the food to cook without being submerged in the boiling water.