Ask Dr. Potato

With 938 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.

My Potato Exploded When Baking

Jun 10, 2019
Q: I'm born and raised in Eastern Idaho and know how to bake a potato. I've moved to Wisconsin in 2015. The past two times we've baked potatoes at least one of them "blew apart." I baked at them 400°F,  the first was a Yukon Gold and the second was an Idaho russet. They were not huge bakers. Our oven is convection but it has never happened before. Please advise.
Read The Answer »

What are the Small Exterior Cracks in the Skin of a Potato?

Jun 6, 2019
Q: I’m a long-time retail produce manager and notice that sometimes new shipments of potatoes in consumer bags and (more noticeably) in bulk cartons have little exterior cracks in the skin. These resemble thumbnail impressions and I don’t know what to say to customers that question what these little indentations are all about. Can you shed some light on the matter?
Read The Answer »

Any Tips for Selling Fresh Potato Chips?

May 7, 2019
Q: I have a customer that would like to sell fresh Idaho® potato chips in their deli departments. They are struggling with this project and wondering if you had any insight on how they should be preparing them? 
Read The Answer »

How Long Can Home Fries Stay Out in Room Temperature and Still Be Safe to Eat?

Apr 15, 2019
Q: How long can home fries stay out in room temperature and still be safe to eat when sealed in a plastic take out container?
Read The Answer »

Difference Between Idaho® Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Apr 8, 2019
Q: Dr. Potato, if you were stuck on a deserted island with only one choice, would you rather have Idaho® potatoes or sweet potatoes?
Read The Answer »

Idaho® Potatoes and Carbohydrates

Apr 3, 2019
Q: I’m thinking about cutting back on carbohydrates, but still love to eat Idaho® potatoes. How exactly do potatoes fit into the whole, anti-carb diet craze?
Read The Answer »

Are All of the Nutrients in the Skin of the Potato?

Mar 29, 2019
Q: I’ve always heard that potato nutrition is all in the skin. My wife says this is just a myth. Who’s correct?
Read The Answer »

Where Can I Buy Idaho® Potatoes in the United States?

Mar 27, 2019
Q: I grew up watching 'Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?' Now I’m grown up, and with my enriched knowledge of geography I want to know: Where in the U.S. can I find delicious, fresh Idaho® Potatoes?
Read The Answer »

Can I Eat Idaho® Potatoes and Still Lose Weight?

Mar 8, 2019
Q: I love, love, love Idaho® potatoes. However, I’d also love to lose the love handles and get my weight under control. Is it possible to include Idaho potatoes in a weight-management program?
Read The Answer »

Will Consuming Idaho® Potatoes with Green Patches Make Me Sick?

Feb 27, 2019
Q: Dr. Potato, I know that long exposure to light makes the potato skin turn a greenish color. I’ve always just peeled away the green and used the potatoes as normal without any issues. Other people have told me this isn’t safe to do. What does the science say about this?
Read The Answer »