Why does a wooden spoon stop water from boiling over in a pot? This question came from a reader submission (thanks Thomas!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question 📓 The short answer Placing a wooden spoon across the top of a pot of boiling starchy foods, like pasta or potatoes, prevents spills by disrupting the bubbles as they rise. The wood's lower temperature and rough surface bursts the bubbles, keeping the foam from...