After-cooking darkening is caused by the oxidation of the ferri-chlorogenic acid in the boiled or fried potatoes. … Since the potatoes release molecules into the cooking water when you boil them, the same effect could cause the cooking water to turn dark over time .
How do you cook potatoes so they don’t turn black?
One method to avoid this is to peel the potatoes, place in water covering the potatoes, remove and slice on a cutting board with a knife that is steel (some blades have iron in them and till will turn the potato dark). Then place back in water, drain and dry before cooking on a shallow aluminum tray .
While researching we ran into the question “Why do potatoes turn dark after cooking?”.
We according to the American Journal of Potato Research: After-cooking darkening is caused by the oxidation of the ferri-chlorogenic acid in the boiled or fried potatoes. The severity of the darkening is dependent on the ratio of chlorogenic acid to citric acid concentrations in the potato tubers. Higher ratio normally results in darker tubers.
Why do potatoes change color when cooked in stainless steel pans?
Cookware that contains aluminum or iron can react with the potatoes to change their color. Stainless steel cookware helps prevent this problem. Cooked potatoes may be soaked in a small amount of lemon juice and covered in a pan to prevent post-cooking reactions that cause discoloration .
What happens if you eat cooked potatoes left out overnight?
If the potatoes were left on the tray the potatoes could still turn color from the aluminum pan. If the cooked potatoes were not left out overnight, unrefrigerated then they will be okay to eat. They will be pretty unattractive to the eater but will taste fine.
What happens when potatoes are oxidized?
This process, which is called oxidation, happens because potatoes are a naturally starchy vegetable . And when exposed to oxygen, starches turn gray, brown, or even black. An oxidized potato is completely safe to eat, the process doesn’t affect the flavor or texture of the vegetable.