Some say you should never peel potatoes too far in advance, while others claim it's no big deal. But, have you ever considered what happens to those peeled potatoes as they sit around waiting to be cooked?
It's all about the enzymatic reaction that occurs when potatoes are exposed to oxygen. This reaction can cause the potatoes to turn an unappealing brown color, making them look like they've been sitting out for days. To avoid this, you can peel and soak them in cold water to slow down the reaction.
But, how early is too early? One hour is generally considered the maximum time you can peel potatoes before cooking. After that, the likelihood of browning and texture changes increases. So, if you're planning a big potato-based meal, you might want to consider peeling them just before cooking.
Interestingly, some chefs swear by peeling potatoes the night before, then storing them in cold water to prevent browning. This technique is called "par-cooking," and it can actually help reduce cooking time later on. Who knew peeling potatoes could be so strategic?