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With 938 posts, chances are there's already an answer to your question. Please try searching below before submitting a question to Dr. Potato. Use multiple words to help narrow down the results. For example, search for "potatoes" and "group" if looking for an answer on cooking potatoes for large groups.
Is there an advantage to creating a deeper poke for a baked potato or is piercing the skin is enough? Will a deeper poke dry it out?
The purpose of piercing the potato is so there will be tiny ventilation-type ports for the steam to escape the potato in a controlled manner during cooking. If this is not done, then the heat and steam generated within the baking potato (in a regular/convection or microwave oven) often can cause the potato to suddenly burst and tear open, making a mess in the oven and rendering the potato nearly unusable. No need to worry about the deeper poke, I always just poke it deep enough to pierce the potato skin. I prefer to do a just a few quick pokes on both sides and one on each end of the potato, just for good measure. Also, always cook a baked potato as-is, never wrap the potato in foil, as this creates its own, adverse results:
https://idahopotato.com/dr-potato/how-do-you-cook-a-baked-potato
https://idahopotato.com/dr-potato/why-i-do-not-recommend-baking-potatoes-in-aluminum-foil
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Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous "Grown in Idaho®" seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.
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