Ask Dr. Potato

The IPC office is closed for the holiday but don't fear… With 939 posts, chances are your holiday mashed potato questions have probably already been answered! Keywords that might help you find the answers you’re looking for include: ahead, group, advance, and yield.

If you're looking specifically for Mashed Potato information, make sure to visit our All Things Mashed Potatoes page which has everything you need to know about preparing perfect mashed potatoes.

View All Things Mashed Potatoes
Back To Dr. Potato Home

When a Potato Is Baked, Does the Starch Convert to Sugar?

Q:

When a potato is baked.. does the starch convert to sugar? Does the starch convert to sugar if a potato is placed in a plastic bag, jabbed with a fork and cooked for 12 minutes? My friend says the steam in the bag converts the starch to sugar.

A:

When a potato is baked the starch does not in fact convert to sugar, this is incorrect. The only way that starch in a potato can convert to sugar is when the (raw) potato is stored at 41°F or colder for too long a period. If properly stored and prepared, a baked potato will turn out just fine. Bake several and invite your friend over for dinner!

https://idahopotato.com/dr-potato/how-to-store-idaho-potatoes

https://idahopotato.com/dr-potato/how-to-make-the-perfect-baked-potato

To learn more about Idaho® Potato Nutrition, click HERE!

In the mood for baked potatoes? Check out this simple baked potato recipe HERE

Print Post

Share This

Dr. Potato isn't a real doctor but a team of potato experts ready to answer all your potato questions.

Popular Tags

All Things Au Gratin Potatoes All Things Baked Potatoes All Things French Fried Potatoes All Things Hash Brown Potatoes All Things Mashed Potatoes All Things Potato Salads At Home Baked Baked In Foil Baked Potato Baked Potato Bar Baking Black Blanching Boiling Breakfast Brown Consumer Cooking Cooking Time Deep Frying Foil Food Safety Freezing French Fried Potato French Fries Fresh-cut Fries Frozen Green Green Potatoes Grower Harvest Hash Browns Healthy Healthy Potatoes Holiday Idaho Potato Leftover Mashed Potatoes Mashing Nutrition Peeling Potato Salad Potato Skins Preparation Q & A Russet Russet Burbank Russet Norkotah Safety Scalloped Service Sizes Storage Stored Storing Temperature Thanksgiving Twice Baked Varieties Washing

Dr. Potato Categories

The Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous "Grown in Idaho®" seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

Contact 661 South Rivershore Lane
Suite 230
EAGLE, ID 83616
Phone: 208-334-2350
Fax: 208-334-2274
More

Web Excellence Award
© 2024 Idaho Potato Commission