How does olive oil prevent noodles from sticking?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of olive oil when boiling water for pasta to prevent the noodles from sticking. However, there is a question about whether the oil would just float to the top and not actually prevent sticking. The physics behind this concept is complex and involves the process of wetting, which refers to interactions between any liquid (such as oil) and any solid (such as noodles). For more information, one can start by researching wetting on Wikipedia.
  • #1
iScience
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my dad adds olive oil when boiling water for pasta, he says it's so that the noodles don't stick, but doesn't all the oil remain on the top? so even if some of the olive oil were to rub on the noodles while pouring the noodles in, wouldn't it just float to the top again? so how does olive oil prevent the noodles from sticking?
 
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Physics behind is quite involved, start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetting

Note that wetting doesn't refer to interactions between just water and solid, but any liquid (be it oil) and any solid (be it noodle).
 

1. How does olive oil prevent noodles from sticking?

Olive oil creates a barrier between the noodles and the hot water, preventing them from sticking together.

2. Does the type of olive oil matter in preventing noodles from sticking?

Any type of olive oil, whether it be extra virgin or regular, can be used to prevent noodles from sticking. However, extra virgin olive oil may add a richer flavor to the pasta.

3. How much olive oil should be added to the pasta water?

A general rule of thumb is to add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil for every 4 cups of water. However, it is important to not add too much oil as it can make the pasta too greasy and prevent sauces from sticking to it.

4. Can other types of oil be used to prevent noodles from sticking?

Yes, other types of oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil can also be used to prevent noodles from sticking. However, olive oil is often preferred for its flavor and health benefits.

5. Is it necessary to add salt to the pasta water if using olive oil?

Adding salt to the pasta water helps to enhance the flavor of the pasta, but it is not necessary if using olive oil to prevent sticking. However, adding a small amount of salt can still be beneficial for flavor.

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