How to Cook Pasta

The New York Times had a great article on why you should always start with cold water when cooking anything:

The Claim: Never Drink Hot Water From the Tap

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR

THE FACTS
The claim has the ring of a myth. But environmental scientists say it is real.

The reason is that hot water dissolves contaminants more quickly than cold water, and many pipes in homes contain lead that can leach into water. And lead can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in young children.

Lead is rarely found in source water, but can enter it through corroded plumbing. The Environmental Protection Agency says that older homes are more likely to have lead pipes and fixtures, but that even newer plumbing advertised as “lead-free” can still contain as much as 8 percent lead. A study published in The Journal of Environmental Health in 2002 found that tap water represented 14 to 20 percent of total lead exposure.

Scientists emphasize that the risk is small. But to minimize it, the E.P.A. says cold tap water should always be used for preparing baby formula, cooking and drinking. It also warns that boiling water does not remove lead but can actually increase its concentration. More information is at http://www.epa.gov/lead or (800) 424-5323 (LEAD).

THE BOTTOM LINE
Hot water from the tap should never be used for cooking or drinking.
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Hi Jake, salt in the water adds flavor to the pasta. Without it the pasta will taste flat.

Hi Renee,

If you add the salt too early to the pot of water it will just make the pot take longer to come to a boil.

Salting the cooking water also adds flavor to the cooked pasta.

Cheers,
Kathy