Ask Dr. Potato

Q: I have several packages of hash browns in my garage refrigerator freezer. I noticed that the freezer is not keeping them frozen solid. They are soft, but still very cold and have ice crystals. Is there a risk with cooking and eating them? If so, what specifically would be the concern?

Q: I recently saw an article on Salad Bars 2 Schools and wondered if the Idaho Potato Commission has done anything with hot food bars or ways to introduce fresh potatoes into the school system?

Q: We used to have just one choice of a side with our bundled meals and that was fries. Now we have lots of side dish options and I think I have discovered why my food costs have been climbing... the fries were much more profitable than offering a side salad or fruit. How can I get my profits back up?

Q: Are there any suggestions you might make for Valentine’s Day if I choose to stay at home and fix dinner for my significant other?

Q: I am looking for some information and advice on our red B size 1 grade raw potatoes we boil. We parboil the potatoes in pots of water for approximately 25-30 minutes depending on size. We test using a fork to see how the potato falls off the fork. We then place on cookie sheets (use cold water to spray over when placed on sheets) and put in our walk in cooler (38 degrees) overnight to slice and spin in a machine the next morning. We have noticed after we slice the potatoes the next morning that the cooked potatoes have a brown colored edge-ring around the skin and potato meat. The potatoes are then cooked on a flat top grill and we produce home fries. We obtain potatoes from all sorts of geographic regions according to the labels on the bags. Our vendor tells us they have to purchase potatoes from wholesale vendors and it is not possible to find a one stop supplier. We have been told the sugar levels in potatoes varies, the potatoes are held in storage for months which creates the brown color rings and the potatoes are all sourced from different geographic locations and these different growing regions and processes leads to the brown colored rings. We always prepare our potatoes the same way and have noticed the winter months seem to be when the brown colored rings appear on the potatoes.

Q: Can you please give me more information on Yukon Gold potatoes? I just bought 60 lbs. of potatoes from a local Mennonite farmer here in South Western Ontario, Canada. I asked two or three times specifically for Yukon Gold—and the reply was “Yes, these are Yukon Gold”. After I got home I looked at the bag and it says “yellow fleshed” and I am not really happy and they are definitely not “Yukon Golds”. My understanding is that Yukon Gold is a type of yellow fleshed but very distinct look and taste.

Q: I placed some unwrapped Russet potatoes and sweet potatoes in the oven to roast. During the roasting process the oven failed and when I removed the potatoes they were only slightly cooked. My guests continued the process and finished cooking them in the microwave. We do not know at what point the oven failed in the process. Do we have any health concerns? The potatoes were eaten by my guests? I know I have read about food poisoning/botulism from improperly prepared potatoes.

Q: My French fries are cooking up really dark and the potatoes don’t look that fresh. What should I look for?

Q: I love baked potatoes but tend to go overboard on the toppings, any suggestions for a healthier year?

Q: Do you have any slow cooker recipes for mashed potatoes and other tips for this kind of cooking?