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Can I Cook Idaho® Potatoes In The Microwave?

Q:

Can I cook Idaho® potatoes in the microwave?

A:

With the invention of the microwave, cooking potatoes has become much faster and more convenient. Many claim that the microwave actually bakes a more nutritious potato than a conventional oven, because the potato is exposed to nutrient-draining heat for a shorter period of time.

Potatoes should be scrubbed, dried and pricked with a fork, then wrapped in a paper towel and placed one inch apart on a microwave rack. Cook according to your oven’s guidelines, and turn potatoes once during cooking. Don’t exceed the cooking time, as potatoes will continue to cook after they’re removed from the oven.

Potato tip – If you’re in a hurry to prepare potatoes but feel that microwaving makes the potato too moist here’s one easy tip: As soon as you come home from work turn on the oven to 400⁰ F and place the potatoes directly on the rack for about 15 minutes, (just enough time to change out of your work clothes). Then pull out the potatoes and put in the microwave and you’ll find that the skin is dry and crispy and the potatoes cook faster.  That way you get the taste of oven baking with the speed of microwaving.