Potato is an everyday vegetable used in almost every Indian kitchen. From snacks to vegetables and many other dishes are prepared from it. This is the reason why many times the preparation for cooking is started in advance and the potatoes are peeled and cut and kept aside. But after some time, when these cut potatoes are seen, brown or black spots start appearing on them.
These potatoes may look bad, but just changing their color does not mean that they are no longer fit for eating. The process of oxidation is usually the reason behind the change in color of cut potatoes.
Why does the color of cut potatoes change?
Potatoes contain a lot of starch. When potatoes are cut and left in contact with air, some of the elements present in them react with oxygen. Due to this process, the color of the potato gradually starts turning brown.
If cut potatoes are left open for a long time, brown patches start appearing on them. Generally, just changing the color in this way does not have any major impact on the taste or texture of the potato.
Do not leave cut potatoes open for too long
The easiest way to keep potatoes from turning black is to not harvest them much earlier than necessary. If potatoes are peeled and cut just before cooking, there is less chance of color change.
The longer cut potatoes are exposed to air, the faster the oxidation process can proceed. Therefore, try not to make too much of a difference between cutting potatoes and cooking.
Keep cut potatoes in cold water
If for some reason the potatoes have to be cut in advance and kept, they can be kept in a vessel with cold water. Due to this, the cut potatoes do not come in direct contact with air and their color does not change quickly.
The cold water also helps remove excess starch from the potatoes, which can slow down the oxidation process. During this period it is better to avoid using hot water. Cold water can be used to keep cut potatoes.
Mix some lemon juice in water
If cut potatoes are being kept in cold water, then some lemon juice can also be added to it. Lemon is acidic and helps in lowering the pH level of water. This can slow down the process of oxidation and the potatoes can remain in normal color for a longer time.
If lemon is not available at home, a small amount of white vinegar can be used in its place.
keep in ziplock bag
Keeping cut potatoes protected from air is also an easy way to prevent their color from changing. Ziplock bags can be used for this.
After placing the potatoes in the bag, close it tightly, so that there is not much air inside. Reducing exposure to air can slow the oxidation process and keep potatoes looking fresher longer.
Storing in the fridge is also an option
Keeping cut potatoes in the refrigerator is also an option. Cold temperatures can help slow the oxidation process. For this, potatoes can be kept in a well-closed container.
If you want, you can fill the container with water and put chopped potatoes in it and keep it in the fridge. This can help maintain the color of pre-cut potatoes for some time.
However, the easiest way is to not cut the potatoes much earlier than necessary. If it is necessary to pre-cut them, keep them in cold water and protect them from contact with air.
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