Ask Dr. Potato

With 934 posts, chances are there's already an answer to your question. Please try searching below before submitting a question to Dr. Potato. Use multiple words to help narrow down the results. For example, search for "potatoes" and "group" if looking for an answer on cooking potatoes for large groups.

Back To Dr. Potato Home

Did My Boiled Potatoes Sit Out Too Long?

Q:

I boiled my white potatoes, drained drained off the hot water when done and let them cool off in the pot on the counter for 4 hours before peeling them. Was that too long sitting out? 

Also, some of them looked like Yukon Golds after they were cooked, is this normal?

A:

The short answer is: Probably. However, when it comes to food holding temperatures that word never applies well, so always err on the side of safety. Discard and start fresh, as potatoes prepare quickly and are very economical. As for the coloration, some variation is to be expected, especially if left out long as you describe. The cells will tend to break down as the heat within the potatoes will continue to ‘cook’ the potatoes for a short time and slight color variation is typical in most cases.