Does a Wooden Spoon Really Stop Pasta Water From Boiling Over?

I used to think the wooden spoon trick was one of those kitchen myths that somehow survived for generations. Then I tried it enough times to realize it actually does help, just not in the way most people think. When pasta or potatoes boil, the starchy water creates a layer of foam. As the bubbles build up, they eventually spill over the edge of the pot and make a mess of your stovetop. A dry wooden spoon resting across the pot can pop some of those bubbles when they reach the surface. That interrupts the foam for a short time and often gives you an extra minute before the pot boils over. The key phrase is "an extra minute." It's not a magic trick. If the burner is too high and you walk away, the pot will probably boil over anyway. I still use the spoon because it's a handy reminder that something is cooking, and it buys me just enough time to lower the heat or give the pot a quick stir. It's one of those old-school kitchen tips that's rooted in real science even if it's often exaggerated. Have you ever tried the wooden spoon trick?