Why does pasta take longer to cook in th mountains?

Here's why:

* Boiling point: Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes. This is because the atmospheric pressure is lower, meaning there's less pressure pushing down on the water molecules.

* Cooking time: Since water boils at a lower temperature, it takes longer to cook pasta to the desired tenderness. The lower temperature means the water molecules have less energy, slowing down the cooking process.

To compensate for this, you can:

* Add a pinch of salt: Salt raises the boiling point of water slightly, helping to speed up the cooking process.

* Increase the cooking time: You may need to cook pasta for a few minutes longer than usual at higher altitudes.

* Use a pressure cooker: A pressure cooker increases the pressure inside, allowing water to boil at a higher temperature and cook pasta more quickly.

So, if you're making pasta in the mountains, be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time!