Altitude's Impact on Cooking Meats: A Comprehensive Guide

Q: Does altitude affect cooking meat?

A: In a pressurized vessel, the temperature of boiling water increases rapidly as pressure builds within the sealed container. Meat cooked by simmering or braising requires additional time at higher elevations. In general, 25% more time may be required at 5,000 ft than at sea level. Read more

Q: How does altitude influence cooking temperature and time?

A: At high altitudes: Air pressure is lower, so foods take longer to bake. Temperatures and/or bake times may need to be increased. Liquids evaporate faster, so amounts of flour, sugar, and liquids may need to be changed to prevent batter that is too moist, dry, or gummy. Read more

Q: How does altitude affect temperature?

A: As you increase in elevation, there is less air above you, thus the pressure decreases. As the pressure decreases, air molecules spread out further (i.e. air expands), and the temperature decreases. If the humidity is at 100 percent (because it's snowing), the temperature decreases more slowly with height.” Read more