How to do adjust to Cooking at High Altitude

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By Teri Hunter
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do adjust to Cooking at High Altitude

Cooking high altitude -- since when does the altitude make a difference?

Top Chef finals in Colorado experiences some problems because they had to do cooking at high altitude. They had to make major adjustments to finish the competition.

Are you having some problems cooking because you moved to a higher altitude? When you cook in a higher altitude, you will face some unique cooking problems.

In order to avoid that complications, certain methods of food preparation must be adjusted.

Are you new to a high altitude area? Call the Home Service Department of the local utility company or help in solving specific problems. The University in Colorado will also have recipes available. They are located in Fort Collins, Colorado. A link to the University is provided below.

Here are a few guidelines to help you when you are cooking high altitude:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Vegetables & Eggs

The boiling point of water is lower at higher altitudes so vegetables, both fresh and frozen, will take longer to become tender. And the cooking time of the vegetables must be increased.

Cooking times for eggs must also be increased for the same reason.

Once you've established the cooking temperature adjustment (which is dependent upon your altitude), record it as a further resource.
Step 2

Meats

Cooking meat in a boiling liquid or steam take longer to cook than at sea level. At times, it takes quite a bit longer. If you are cooking your meat in the oven, it will still take longer than cooking at sea level. It is suggested to use a meat thermometer and record the times for future reference.
Step 3

Deep Fried Foods

So your food will not become too brown when deep frying, the temperature of the cooking fat should be lower than at sea level. It is suggested to fry a few pieces at a lower temperature then check the middle for doneness.
Step 4

Candy and Cooked Frostings

These mixtures should be cooked at a lower temperature. When using a thermometer, first check the boiling temperature of water in the area then subtract that temp from 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you find that number, subtract that same number of degrees from the temperature in the recipe.
Step 5

Yeast Breads

When the room temperature is warm, bread an overrise. Only allow bread dough to rise until the size is doubled.
Step 6

Mixes and Cakes

Most mix packages have altitude adjustments right on the package so you should look for them. It is suggested to use recipes recommended for your altitude.

Comments

sallyemaycreate said

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on 11/29/2009 Excellent information and tips on How to Adjust to Cooking at High Altitude. You wouldn't think that it would make much difference, but evidently there are minor adjustments that one has to make. Thanks for the info... 5*

harvard said

on 11/27/2009 Interesting, unique article. Now I know why they say people in "Mile High City" Denver have lousy coffee. I'll have to compare notes with my neice in Boulder now. Thank you.