Tips for Storing Peeled Potatoes Fresh for Up to 5 Days in the Refrigerator

Kapanlagi.com - Potatoes, the king of carbohydrates, are not just a source of energy that can make us feel full. This food ingredient is also rich in nutrients and very versatile in its preparation. From crispy fritters, tempting chips, to enticing croquettes, potatoes can always be the star of any dish, even as a complement in a warm soup.

However, for those of you who want to save time in the kitchen by peeling a large quantity of potatoes, it is important to know the proper storage methods to keep the potatoes fresh and prevent them from turning brown. One noteworthy storage method comes from YouTube user, Chum Currahee. On Thursday (31/10), he shared practical tips for storing peeled potatoes without the need for additional ingredients. With this method, you can maintain the freshness of the potatoes and avoid undesirable color changes. Ready to try this clever trick?

1. Understanding the Color Change Process in Peeled Potatoes

Peeled potatoes often undergo an unappealing color change, turning brown or even black due to a process of oxidation known as enzymatic browning. This phenomenon occurs when potatoes are exposed to oxygen in the air, triggering enzymatic reactions within them.

According to recipes.howstuffworks.com, this oxidation process is not unfamiliar to fruits and vegetables that contain enzymes. Therefore, there are many storage methods for potatoes that use acidic solutions or other additives to prevent rapid color change and maintain their fresh appearance.

2. Initial Preparation Steps from Chum Currahee

In an interesting YouTube Shorts video, Chum Currahee shares smart tips for storing large amounts of peeled potatoes, ready to be made into delicious fritters.

He starts by peeling the potatoes clean and washing them thoroughly, ensuring that every bit of dirt is removed before placing them in a storage container. With this step, Chum not only maintains the cleanliness of the potatoes but also minimizes the risk of contamination, making them more ready to be processed into appetizing dishes!

3. Storage Process with Clean Water Soaking

The next step is to place the potatoes in a container or basin, then add clean water until all parts of the potatoes are fully submerged.

According to Chum Currahee, this is important to prevent oxidation that can occur due to direct exposure to air on the surface of the peeled potatoes. By ensuring that the water level is sufficient, the oxygen touching the surface of the potatoes will be reduced, keeping the potatoes fresh and maintaining their quality longer even after being peeled and left submerged.

4. Storing Potatoes in the Refrigerator under the Right Conditions

After soaking the potatoes in clean water, the next step is to place the container with the potatoes in the refrigerator, especially in the chiller section which has a more stable temperature. This temperature greatly helps to keep the potatoes fresh for a longer time compared to storing them at room temperature.

However, it is important to remember not to store the potatoes close to decaying vegetables, as potatoes are very susceptible to contamination. The presence of rotten vegetables nearby can accelerate the rotting process of the potatoes, even if they have been soaked in water inside the refrigerator.

5. Routine to Change Soaking Water for Best Results

To ensure potatoes stay fresh longer, Chum Currahee has a simple yet effective trick: change the soaking water every day! This way, the cleanliness and freshness of the potatoes are maintained, while also preventing bacteria that can accelerate spoilage.

"It's been 4 days, going on 5. The potatoes are still white," Chum proudly states in his video, proving that his method can keep potatoes fresh for days. It's no surprise that many netizens have responded positively, including Andita Putri who thanked him for this useful tip.

6. Questions and Answers About Storing Peeled Potatoes

Can This Technique Be Applied to Other Types of Vegetables?

Yes, some vegetables that are prone to oxidation, such as eggplant or apples, can also be stored in soaking water to reduce discoloration, but make sure to research the specific methods for each vegetable.

7. How Long Can Peeled Potatoes Be Stored Using This Method?

Peeled potatoes stored in water in the refrigerator and with the water changed daily can last up to 4-5 days without significant color change.

8. Is This Method Safe for Health?

Yes, this method is safe as long as the soaking water is changed daily and the potatoes are kept in a closed container in the chiller to avoid bacterial contamination.

(kpl/wis)