Since they grow underground, potatoes likely carry residual soil, bacteria, and pesticides when you buy them. To help prevent foodborne illness caused by harmful residue, it’s vital that you clean potatoes, even if you plan on peeling them.
Here are a few tips to think about when washing potatoes. Since potatoes grow in dirt, they do need to be washed at some point when harvested out in the fields. We try to keep the dirt on till the potatoes come out of storage, as washing them immediately might trap moisture in the eyes of the potatoes and create a musty or mold smell while stored. Once the potatoes are trucked into the shipping facility they are typically “flumed” in water along the conveyor belts to get rid of any dirt or sand and minimize bruising. Then the potatoes are allowed to dry. However, sometimes not all the dirt gets removed or the water may still have some particles that end up on the potatoes when boxed up for shipment to customers like your school.
Note… in the olden days (when I worked in a kitchen) you could put the potatoes in a flat tray for silverware and run just the rinse cycle in a commercial dishwasher. This is no longer recommended, as there may be residual soap in the system and often the machines now have tubes automatically dispensing liquid soaps and rinse agents. For parties at home for large crowds I have still done this, just ran the dishwasher without any rinse solution or soap. But it’s not the way to do it correctly now.
So, the first recommendation is to wait to wash the potatoes till the last moment before using. Don’t do it too far in advance. There is no need to wash in a solution of bacterial soap or veggie wash. The magazine, Cooks Illustrated, did find with some fruits and vegetables that an acidic solution of vinegar and water helps disinfect, but scrubbing was pretty effective too. Theres also this article from NPR.
Washing should include some scrubbing to get any dirt lodged in the eyes of the potatoes. Since most Idaho potatoes are grown in a sandy or volcanic soil and not clay based, the scrubbing can be pretty minimal. At the beginning of the season, you’ll note that scrubbing is like sandpaper, it will take a lot of the protective skin covering off. So handle gently.
Potatoes are a versatile and sturdy food enjoyed throughout the year, from hearty winter dishes to french fries accompanying summer grill favorites. When stored properly, uncooked potatoes can last up to two months, says MasterClass, making them an excellent pantry staple.
That said, Livestrong warns that potatoes rank high on the list of dirtiest fresh produce. Properly storing and washing potatoes can make a big difference in their cleanliness. Washing is vital since potatoes are root vegetables grown in the ground, and their skins can carry dirt, pesticides, and bacteria. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you wash all produce, even those you can peel, like potatoes.
You can store refrigerated peeled potatoes in water for up to one day, but you will need to rewash them before you use them. This extra step helps remove any bacteria thats settled on the potatoes. Rewashing potatoes also adds to their crispy texture if youre baking or frying them, notes Martha Stewart. According to the Food Network, leaving potatoes in water longer than 24 hours invites bacteria, and the potatoes absorb the moisture, becoming mushy when used.
Its best to wash potatoes just before you use them, says the Idaho Potato Commission. Waiting to clean your potatoes is essential because they can collect bacteria after washing, says Livestrong. Leaving washed potatoes out provides ample opportunities to get them dirty again. If you need to prepare the potatoes beforehand, you have some wiggle room for only a few hours. To do so, place the peeled potatoes in water, seal the storage container, and refrigerate them. Per the Food Network, storing the peeled potatoes in water prevents discoloration.
Suppose youre facing tough dirt that even resists a vegetable brush. In that case, its ok to soak the potatoes at room temperature for 20 minutes to loosen the dirt, says Livestrong. MasterClass even suggests putting extra dirty potatoes on your dishwashers top rack and using the rinse cycle, without soap, to clean them.
What happens if you don’t Rinse potatoes?
FAQ
What happens if you don’t rinse potatoes?
Can you eat a potato without washing it?
Do you need to rinse potatoes?
Why do you not wash potatoes?
Should potatoes be rewashed?
Rewashing potatoes also adds to their crispy texture if you’re baking or frying them, notes Martha Stewart. According to the Food Network, leaving potatoes in water longer than 24 hours invites bacteria, and the potatoes absorb the moisture, becoming mushy when used. Suppose you’re facing tough dirt that even resists a vegetable brush.
Why are white potatoes bad for weight loss?
White potato is one of carbohydrate source. 100 grams potatoes contain 15.4 grams carbohydrate and 76.7 calories. It is not bad for weight loss unless you deep fried it and add much toppings on it. If it combined with lean protein and vegetables, also if cooked correctly, it can be one of the good source of carbohydrate because it contain some vitamins and minerals too.
Should you wash potatoes before cooking?
Store your potatoes dry in a dark and cool place like a pantry to ensure the most extended and safest shelf life. Washing potatoes before storing them can make them damp and more susceptible to spoiling, warns Spudman. When do you wash potatoes before cooking? It’s best to wash potatoes just before you use them, says the Idaho Potato Commission.
Should you wash potatoes after harvesting?
Don’t wash your potatoes after harvesting. moisture can cause a lot of trouble for your potatoes. Gently brush off the dirt and store them. wash the potatoes only at the time of cooking. Once harvested, your potatoes need to cure for about 10 days to two weeks before eating them.