Potatoes are filling and a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. As with all vegetables, potatoes must be cleaned before use. In the second half of the 16th century, the Spanish brought potatoes from the Americas to Europe.
It is still an essential crop in Europe, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe, especially in foreign capita production remains the highest in the world.
Cleaning and preparing potatoes before cooking them is essential to ensure they are safe to eat and taste their best. Below are some valuable factors on how to clean and prepare potatoes for cooking.
Wash Your Hands
Before washing your potatoes, wet your hands and lather them using soap for 20 seconds.
Rinse the Potatoes
Washing your potatoes under running water is the most acceptable method. That will release any dirt particles that have accumulated on its skin. Lukewarm or chilly water will suffice.
Begin Scrubbing
To clean the potatoes, use a vegetable scrubber or brush and scrub them clockwise. If the scrubber gets soiled while washing, rinse it with cold water. This simple step will help you prepare your potatoes for cooking in no time!
A clean kitchen scrub brush, abrasive gloves, or a kitchen towel can also be used.
Look for any Concealed Dirt
Remove any green sprouts that you discover. Pay particular care to the potato’s eyes since land is frequently concentrated there.
Rinse and Pat Dry
Give the scraped potato another short rinse under cold water to remove surface dirt, then pat dry with a towel.
Putting Potatoes In A Dishwasher For Cleaning
Unwashed potatoes may be washed on the countertops in your dishwasher during the rinse cycle. Before this procedure, ensure the washer is clean and clear of soap or detergent. Alternatively, soak your potatoes in a dish of lukewarm water for around twenty minutes instead of washing them.
Storage Time of Potatoes
Under the right circumstances, uncooked potatoes can be stored for up to two months. Potatoes can also be frozen and stored for up to three months.
On the other hand, cooked, boiled, and peeled potatoes only survive one to two hours if placed on a countertop. When exposed to fresh air, oxidation occurs, and the potato’s flesh becomes brown.
Best Way to Keep Raw and Cooked Potatoes
You’ll need to keep cooked potatoes differently than raw potatoes.
- Cooked: Store cooked potatoes in cold water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar if you wish to eat them later. Refrigerate the bowl after covering it with an airtight lid. The potatoes should survive for 24 hours before they begin to oxidize.
- Uncooked: Store raw potatoes in a dish or a paper bag in a cold, dark area with plenty of ventilation (plastic bags trap moisture and cause the spuds to spoil). Avoid keeping potatoes in the fridge because the cold temperature converts the starch in the potato into sugar, which, when heated, generates a potentially hazardous toxin called acrylamide.
Do you Have to Peel Potatoes?
This is an argument against peeling potatoes. Moreover, the skins are high in roughage, vitamins, and minerals. Leave them on if they are in excellent condition and play an essential role in the recipe. Thin-skinned potatoes, such as red and Yukon Gold, create delicious mashed potatoes, and skipping the peeling saves time in the kitchen.
Although Russet potato skins may not contribute much to the texture of mashed potatoes, they can impart a delightful taste to French fries. On the other hand, when preparing certain dishes like scalloped potatoes, gnocchi, or the classic baked potato, it’s better to remove the skins for a smoother consistency. Then, by all means, break out the peeler!