If you have ever watched a store potato, you will understand the story behind them. They are beautiful, but are they wonderful for you? Let’s find out how to tell the difference between store potatoes and fresh.
When potatoes are stored for long periods of time, they become toughened and begin to lose their shape. This is called peeling. The number of layers in your potatoes will also be reduced.
The next thing to do if you are concerned about the quality of your stored potatoes is to cook them. You should wash them first, or boil them in water for three to five minutes. They will not be ruined, because the water in which they are boiled helps to soften them up. Be careful not to overcook them; they need to be cooked just right.
While store potatoes are usually okay to eat, fresh potatoes have more vitamins and nutrients in them. They should not be eaten raw, as they may be contaminated with listeria bacteria.
Now, this does not mean that store potato is bad for you because some of them are of very poor quality, but many store potatoes are stored properly and are ready to eat. If you are unsure whether your potatoes are fresh, then you can check the date on the tag of the potatoes.
But you should be even more careful when buying canned or boxed potatoes. If they are labeled with an expiration date, then they are old and must be thrown away.
Many people enjoy cooking potatoes because they have a natural texture and you can add other ingredients to give them a nice flavor. This is especially true with French fries. Don’t get hung up on the appearance, though, because it is perfectly okay to cook French fries to perfection if they are preserved properly.
The best way to preserve your stored potatoes is to simply store them in a covered container for about two weeks. You can also freeze them. To freeze them, you can wrap them in aluminum foil and then put them in a freezer bag, with a tightly sealed end.
Now when you need to cook them, you can defrost them by following the same procedure but leaving the potatoes uncovered. They should thaw for ten to twenty minutes before cooking.
Since you are trying to avoid peeling, it will be important to make sure that your stored potatoes are frozen properly. This means that they should not be placed in a refrigerator. If you must store them, you should freeze them, to make sure that they are not damaged.
And if you are considering a real treat, consider steaming your store potatoes. Not only will they taste good, but they will also be ready in a flash, which will save you a lot of time.
