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With 935 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.
I have a question on boiling potatoes for potato salad and why they brown sometimes. After the potatoes boil, do we drain them and then add water with teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice before we put in Fridge? Or just leave the remainder of potato juice water and just add more water to cover and add the vinegar or juice. Thanks!
Potatoes discolor for one of several reasons: When the potato has been bruised, or if the fresh peeled or cut potatoes are exposed to air for very long (usually 15 minutes or less) they begin to oxidize. The potato turns a slight gray color and that color intensifies if left unattended – thus the reason to peel and/or cut potatoes directly into clean water, be that a pan or other kind of holding receptacle. The potatoes in the water will further benefit with the addition of the citric acid (lemon/lime juice) or vinegar, fresh or par-cooked as you describe. This helps in keeping the potatoes from discoloration.
Another reason potatoes may discolor is when they are held too cold (below 42° F) for too long of a period. When this occurs the starches within the potatoes convert to sugar, making for an overly-sweet potato and changing the cooking characteristics – thus the possibility of the potatoes discoloring.
Here are some links to test and recondition the potatoes, should they become so-affected:
https://idahopotato.com/dr-potato/my-potatoes-are-to-sweet-what-do-i-do
https://idahopotato.com/dr-potato/why-are-my-potatoes-discolored-after-cooking
Learn more about All Things Potato Salad here!
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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.
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