POTATO STORAGE AND CARE
See also: Discoloring of Cooked Potatoes; Baked Potatoes in Foil; Potato Trivia; Orgin of Modern Potato; Baked Potato Recipe; Potato Varieties & Types; Florida Sunlite Potatoes; Idaho Potatoes; Potato Consumption & Production; etc.
In Search of the Perfect Potato
Selection
When shopping, select firm, smooth potatoes. Avoid those with wrinkled or wilted skins, soft dark areas, cut surfaces or those green in appearance. If you need several potatoes for a recipe, choose ones similar in size for even cooking.
Storage
Potatoes should be kept in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. The ideal storage temperature is 45 to 50ºF. At these temperatures, potatoes will keep for several
weeks. But don’t store potatoes in the refrigerator! When kept below 40ºF, potatoes develop a sweet taste, due to the conversion of starch to sugar. This increased sugar causes potatoes to darken when cooked. If you store potatoes at room temperature, try to use them within a week or so.
Keep potatoes away from prolonged exposure to light, which causes them to turn green. This greening causes a bitter flavor. If potatoes develop green areas or start to sprout, just trim off these areas before using.
Preparation
Potatoes are easier to prepare and healthier with the skins on. Even though potatoes are washed before they reach the market, it’s a good idea to rinse and scrub them thoroughly before using.
Sometimes potatoes that are cut and uncooked can take on a pinkish or brownish discoloration. This darkening or discoloration is similar to that of cut apples from exposure to air. It’s due to the carbohydrate in the food reacting with oxygen in the air.
Potatoes that become discolored in this way are safe to eat and do not need to be thrown out. The color usually disappears with cooking. Preserve the color of cut potatoes by storing them in cold water. Limit water soaking to two hours to retain water-soluble vitamins.
Leftovers
It’s best to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of serving to prevent foodborne illnesses. Leftovers should be consumed within a few days.
We don’t recommend freezing cooked potatoes at home as they become watery upon reheating. The potato is 80 percent water; and when frozen, this water separates from the starch and nutrients.
Potatoes are one of the most versatile, gratifying and pleasing vegetables around. Optimize your potato experience by selecting, preparing and storing them properly.
The United States Potato Board (USPB)
www.healthypotato.com
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