Ask Dr. Potato

With 936 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.

Can I Eat Potatoes with Black Spots?

Jun 29, 2020
Q: I’m used to cutting the black spots off a potato, however, if I boil them with the skins on and mash them with the skins, I won’t know if there are black spots. Are they OK to eat?
Read The Answer »

How Do I Safely Prepare Potatoes Off-Site and Transport to an Event?

Jun 22, 2020
Q: I am catering a dinner for my cousin and need to prepare roasted red skin potatoes and hold those potatoes for 6+ hours. I have nowhere to cook on sight for this event, so I need to prepare and cook off site and transport in my catering warmers. How do I keep the prepared potatoes from oxidizing and turning black?
Read The Answer »

My Mashed Potatoes Were Left Out Overnight, Can I Still Eat Them?

May 20, 2020
Q: My instant mashed potatoes were left out overnight with no eggs, butter or cream (just water). Can I still eat these or should I throw them away?
Read The Answer »

Should I Soak My Fresh-cut French Fries in Salt Before Frying?

May 15, 2020
Q: What kind of salt, Kosher or Sea salt, should I use to soak my fresh-cut French fries in before frying?
Read The Answer »

My Potatoes Have Started to Sprout, Can I Plant Them in My Garden and Grow My Own?

May 12, 2020
Q: I have a bag of potatoes, grown in Idaho, and the "eyes" are starting to sprout. I live in Massachusetts and would like to grow my own potatoes in my garden. If I cut the potatoes up and plant them, will new potatoes grow?
Read The Answer »

Can I Use Frozen Diced Potatoes in Potato Salad?

May 5, 2020
Q: Can I use frozen (then thawed) diced potatoes in potato salad?
Read The Answer »

Do I Need to Wash My Potatoes with Soap?

Apr 9, 2020
Q: Last night, I washed our bakers, scrubbed them with a vegetable brush and water, and then plopped them into dish soap and water bath for 20 seconds. This was at advice of a doctor video I saw two days ago. Then, this morning, I read not to use anything but water, What do you recommend?
Read The Answer »

Are Potatoes Safe to Eat During the COVID-19 Outbreak?

Mar 30, 2020
Q: With the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world, I want to know that the food I eat is safe and doesn't pose a risk of infection. Am I okay to eat fresh potatoes that I buy from the grocery store? Should I keep my potatoes in quarantine for 14 days after purchase? Finally, do I need to wash the potatoes with soap or will water do?
Read The Answer »

Top 5 Ways to Store Potatoes at Home

Mar 26, 2020
Q: I bought three 10 lb bags Idaho® Potatoes at the store and I'm wondering what is the best way to store them to extend their shelf life?
Read The Answer »

My Potatoes Were Stored Correctly and Still Turned Green, Please Help!

Mar 23, 2020
Q: I bought a bag of white potatoes and stored in humid area, covered well, and they turned green. Why would this happen?
Read The Answer »