Cooking For Engineers

[yocona]

When reducing liquids, will they evaporate more quickly at a rolling boil? Or should I conserve on fuel and let the reduction proceed at a gentle boil?

[Dilbert]

technically the more heat you throw at the pot, the faster it will evaporate.

however comma, that may not be an optimum approach - because the high heat could scorch or burn the reduction.

most reductions are done a a gentle simmer.

[yocona]

Thanks, Dilbert. I was looking for the technical answer. I'm making a heavily reduced product in large batches with a reduction time of 6+ hours. The smell and appearance change several minutes before it is finished, so I know when it's time to turn down the flame and pull out the thermometer.