Archive for June, 2012


Keeping partially grilled potatoes in foil and fridge

Thursday, June 21st, 2012

Q. How many days can you safely keep partially grilled potatoes in the same foil and in the fridge?

A. From a food safety perspective, it depends on how the potatoes were cooled after being heated. If the potatoes were put right into the fridge, they will be fine. However, if the potatoes were left out at room temperature, but sealed tightly in the aluminum foil, you should discard the potatoes. When potatoes are sealed up tightly in foil at neither a hot nor cold temperature, this is similar to the canning process. Botulism can result if the potatoes were left lukewarm for a lengthy period of time.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Consumer, Food Safety, Foodservice, Q & A

Do mashed potatoes have less sugar than baked potatoes?

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

Q. Do mashed potatoes have less sugar than baked potatoes?

A. That’s a good question! The potato is about 80% water and about 20% solids or starch. The starch in the potato will convert to sugar if stored at too cold of a temperature. If the potato is properly stored (45-48 degrees F is ideal), neither will accumulate sugar. Mashed potatoes are usually combined with a liquid, which dilutes the potato and thus the sugar when comparing equal quantities.

Here is a link to nutritional information for a baked potato: http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2770/2. You can do the same for mashed potatoes.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Consumer, Foodservice, Q & A

Oxidizing potatoes

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

Q. I sliced up an Idaho potato to put it through my shredder for fresh hash browns, and before I shredded it, the potato was white. After I shredded it, however, the potato turned a reddish color. Is the potato still safe to eat?

A. Potatoes turn pink when exposed to air, but they’re still safe to eat. Sometimes they will also react to certain metals containing iron. When I shred or cut potatoes for boiling, I place the cut potatoes into a mixture of 1 tablespoon of concentrated lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 gallon of water. This will help keep the potatoes from oxidizing. Squeeze out the excess water for the hash browns between a paper or regular towel before frying.
Tags: Hashbrowns, Potato Preparation

Tags: ,
Posted in Consumer, Foodservice, Q & A

Wash and wrapping potatoes

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Q. Is it safe to wash russet potatoes and wrap them in aluminum foil the night before they are cooked? And is it safe to leave them at room temperature until they are baked?

A. It is fine to wash and wrap potatoes for the next day. They can still be kept at room temperature as long as they haven’t been cooked. However, we recommend foil only for keeping potatoes warm. Here are a couple of links about baking potatoes:

http://foodserviceblog.idahopotato.com/just-say-no-to-wrapping-potatoes-in-tin-foil/
http://foodserviceblog.idahopotato.com/qa-baking-potatoes-effectively/

Tags: , ,
Posted in Consumer, Foodservice, Q & A