Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook food as it does not require the addition of oil. Steaming can be done on a hob, with a pot containing a small amount of liquid that is brought to a simmer. The item to be cooked is then placed in a basket suspended above the liquid and the pot covered. The hot steam circulates through the pot and cooks the food very quickly. This technique is known as "compartment steaming." The bamboo steamers used in Asian cuisine are an example of a compartment steamer. Steaming preserves the flavour and results in a more nutritious food than boiling because fewer nutrients are leached away into the water, which is usually discarded.