Here’s the golden rule you need to memorize: Rolling boil for one minute. That’s it! Just sixty seconds of vigorous, bubbly action once the water is really going.
If you live above 6,500 feet (hello, mountain friends!), crank that timer to three minutes. Higher altitude means water boils at a lower temperature, so we give it a little extra love to zap any nasty germs.
What Does “Rolling Boil” Actually Look Like?
Don’t just wait for a few shy bubbles—look for a full, energetic, party-in-the-pot boil. It should look like a tiny, happy volcano. That’s when you start your clock.
And no, a lid on the pot won’t speed up the countdown. The timer starts after you hit that vigorous boil. Patience, my friend!
