Question

Cold water cleans the potatoes and removes much of the _____.

Answer 1

Cold water is used to clean potatoes, effectively removing starch, dirt, and pesticides. Using cold water prevents potatoes from getting cooked during cleaning, making it easier to wash away contaminants and excess starch.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cold water cleans the potatoes and removes much of the starch, dirt, and pesticides. When washing potatoes, the primary goal is to remove any excess soil, microorganisms, and chemicals that could be on their skin. This is especially important when potatoes are going to be consumed with their skin on because the skin can harbor these contaminants. By rinsing them in cold water, the temperature prevents the potatoes from beginning to cook, keeping them firm and making it easier to remove unwanted residues. Additionally, soaking potatoes can help to reduce the starch content, which can make for crispier fried potatoes or a fluffier mashed potato texture.