How to Keep Potatoes From Turning Dark

Preparing potatoes in advance reduces last-minute hustle and bustle.

Preparing potatoes ahead of time takes away some of the anxiety and last-minute hustle. The problem is, if you wash and peel them ahead of time, they might turn dark by the time you begin cooking them. You can prevent the potatoes from turning dark by following a few simple instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Cool water
• Lemon or lime juice
• Potato peeler
• Air-tight container

Instructions

1. Mix a solution of 1 quart cool water and 3 tbsp. lemon or lime juice. Make enough of this solution to completely cover the potatoes you peel.

2. Peel the whole potatoes with a potato peeler.

3. Drop the potatoes into the pot of the cooled solution as you peel them.

4. Place the pot potatoes and solution into a refrigerator and allow it to set for 1 hour.

5. Drain the water from the potatoes thoroughly through a colander. Place the potatoes into a smaller container with a lid that seals tightly, allowing as little air as possible to reach the potatoes.

6. Store the potatoes in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance of preparing them.

Tips & Warnings

• Potatoes are done cooking when they are easily cut with a knife.

• When preparing the potatoes for cooking, cut them into similar size pieces so they cook evenly.

• After cooking, drain the potatoes through a colander to remove all of the water.

• Taking a heavy pot of hot water from the stove to the sink is dangerous, so make certain children and pets are out of the area.

• Use cutting tools and utensils that have been sterilized by rinsing in a solution of 1 part household bleach and 9 parts water. Allow to air dry.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln:Turkey and Trimmings 101