ELi5: How does water soften things? Pasta for example.
In: Chemistry
Things like pasta that are desiccated originally had some type of liquid ingredient. When exposed to water they reabsorb it and regain the original texture/condition. The water first enters any spaces, cracks or openings then the dried ingredients gradually absorb more. For things that can actually dissolve in water (flour without gluten, salt, sugar, etc.), the dried ingredients are slowly dissolving into the water and if left in a container that has a surplus of water, they will eventually dissolve away. Drop a piece of hard candy into a bowl of water and it will dissolve away completely, just as it does in your mouth.
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