Potato 101
Potatoes South Africa, in celebration and observance of the International Year of the Potato 2008, sent us these useful tips:
How many minutes does it take to boil one potato?
The answer varies by way of the size of potato. We recommend that to speed up the process you peel the potato and then cut it into large chunks, which will then only take five to seven minutes rather than up to 20 minutes to cook.
Should I wrap my potatoes in foil when baking?
For conventional oven baking, the most common folly is to wrap the potato in aluminum foil. Covering the potato holds in moisture, steaming the potato. The result is a less crispy skin – and the texture of a boiled potato. The best way to bake a potato is to scrub it, pierce the skin two or three times with a fork, and then place the potato directly on the oven rack, at 230°C for 50 to 60 minutes. For a crispier skin, rub the potato skin with a light coating of vegetable oil, olive oil, margarine or butter.
What is the healthiest way of cooking potatoes?
Probably baked, with a squeeze of lemon and salt and pepper to taste. Topping the baked potato with salsa is also a good solution.
When is a baked potato done?
Potatoes are ready when their internal temperature reaches around 100°C. A fork easily pierces a baked potato when it's done. If the potato is hard, bake a little longer. However, watch out for over-baking, or drying of the underskin will occur.
Can I cook potatoes in the microwave?
With the advent of the microwave, cooking potatoes has become much faster and more convenient. Many claim that the microwave actually bakes a more nutritious potato than a conventional oven, because the potato is exposed to nutrient-draining heat for a shorter period of time.
Can leftover potatoes be frozen?
We don't recommend it. While cooked potatoes can be frozen, they tend to become watery upon reheating. The potato is 80% water; when frozen, this water separates from the starch and nutrients, causing the reheated potato dish to be watery.
