Steaming

Steaming is a method of cooking using steam. In steaming, the food is fully immersed in steam, with no air present, so that the steam condenses on the food, and then the condensate drips down away from the food. This is often achieved in a food steamer, a kitchen appliance made specifically to cook food with steam, but food can also be steamed in a wok. In the American Southwest, steam pits used for cooking have been found dating back about 5,000 years. Steaming is considered a healthy cooking technique that can be used for many kinds of foods. Compared to full immersion in boiling water, steaming can be far faster and more energy-efficient because it requires heating much less water and takes advantage of the excellent thermodynamic heat transfer properties of steam.