Water

Water exists in three states: solid (ice), liquid, and gas (water vapor or steam). At sea level, pure liquid water becomes solid, or freezes, at 32°F (0°C) and turns to steam at 212°F (100°C). When water molecules turn to steam and energetically escape into the atmosphere, water is said to be boiling.

Water can also turn from liquid to gas at lower temperatures. When water turns to gas at any temperature, the process is called evaporation. Evaporation occurs more slowly the lower the temperature is. Evaporation is responsible for the drying of foods. The drying of food surfaces as they are cooked enables them to be browned.