Even if you're going to peel them, these expert tips will ensure your spuds are clean and germ-free.
Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly to make sure they are safe to eat (think: free of dirt and chemicals), and that includes a versatile, all-around favorite—the potato. Here, we explain why you should wash potatoes, the right way to do it (including when you should wash them), and the best way to store them. blue wheel brushes
Catt Fields White, director of San Diego Markets and founder and CEO of Farmers Market Pros
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at a minimum, potatoes should be rinsed under running water before cutting. This is crucial, even if you plan on peeling them, because germs on the outer skin can infiltrate the inside of your spuds when you cut them. It's essential to cut away damaged or bruised parts, too, for the same reason. Another important rule to follow: Do not use soap, bleach, disinfectants, or chemicals to clean produce.
The ground that potatoes grow in also factors into the equation. "Potatoes are firmly in the buried-in-soil category, so they'll need a thorough wash before cooking," says Catt Fields White, chef and the founder of San Diego Markets and The Farmers Market Pros. "In addition to good and bad bacteria, pesticides can linger in the soil and those need to go."
Fields White recommends soaking the potatoes in cold water first before cleaning them to break up the dirt. "This is like soaking a dish that has dried food on it—it just loosens things up so you don't have to scrub," she says. Here's how to tackle your taters, step by step:
If the potatoes are going to be peeled, Fields White says to wash them as outlined above—before the knife or peeler comes in contact. "After peeling, put them in water with a little lemon juice if you're not going to cook right away, or they'll discolor," she says.
Potatoes should be cooked soon after they are washed since bacteria can gather on wet potatoes when stored for extended periods of time. "It's best to wash just before you cook, but they're probably fine to wash up to 24 hours before cooking," says Fields White. (For something like Thanksgiving mashed potatoes for a crowd, where you need to start prep early, Fields White says it's OK to wash in advance and then refrigerate.)
Unwashed potatoes (and sweet potatoes) should not be placed in the refrigerator for long-term storage, however. They should be stored in a cool, dark, airy space—not on the countertop—loosely stacked in a bowl or bins to keep moisture accumulation at bay and avoid mold and deterioration.
Floor Cleaning Sweeper Brushes Randi is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.