Why do people living at high altitudes often utilize pressure cookers?

People living at high altitudes often utilize pressure cookers because at higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is reduced, which decreases the boiling point of water. Under normal atmospheric conditions at sea level, water boils at 100°C (212°F), but as altitude increases, the boiling point drops. For instance, at 8,000 feet, water may boil at only about 92°C (198°F).

Pressure cookers create a sealed environment that allows steam to build up. As pressure increases within the cooker, the boiling point of water rises above the typical 100°C. This higher temperature cooks the food more quickly and effectively, making it suitable for high-altitude cooking where lower boiling points would lead to longer cooking times and less effective results.

Using a pressure cooker helps mitigate the challenges posed by decreased atmospheric pressure, ensuring food is prepared accurately and efficiently. The choice of utilizing a pressure cooker at high altitudes is specifically tied to how it raises the boiling point of water through increased vapor pressure, allowing for more effective cooking.