Q. In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?

1. Area of the hole in the lid
2. Temperature of the flame
3. Weight of the lid

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• 1 and 2 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 1,2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Notes:

• Area of the hole in the lid:
  • The hole in the lid of the pressure cooker is primarily for the steam vent or whistle. The size of the hole will determine how much pressure can be built up inside the cooker before steam starts venting. A larger hole might let out steam more quickly, preventing as high a pressure from building up, whereas a smaller hole would let the pressure build more. The pressure inside the cooker determines the boiling point of water inside, which, in turn, affects the temperature at which the food cooks.
• Temperature of the flame:
  • The temperature of the flame will determine how quickly the water inside the pressure cooker boils and thus how quickly the pressure builds up. However, once the desired pressure is reached, the temperature inside the cooker remains relatively constant, regardless of the flame’s temperature. The flame’s temperature might influence how quickly the cooker reaches its cooking temperature, but it doesn’t change the cooking temperature itself.
• Weight of the lid:
  • The weight of the lid (or, more accurately, the weight of the pressure regulator or whistle on top of the cooker) determines the pressure inside the cooker. A heavier lid or weight will allow for a higher internal pressure before steam starts to vent, leading to a higher cooking temperature.