The Economic Times

Why people put a wooden spoon across a boiling pot; the science behind the kitchen hack

A wooden spoon can briefly stop pots from boiling over by bursting bubbles. This kitchen hack works because wood is a porous material that releases trapped air. However, the spoon quickly becomes saturated and loses its effectiveness over time. Ingredients like starches and proteins cause rapid bubbling and overflow in cooking liquids. Instead of relying on the spoon, reducing heat or using a larger pot is recommended.