Ask Dr. Potato

With 934 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.

Back To Dr. Potato Home

Why Are Some of My Potatoes That I Just Dug up Soft?

Q:

I am digging up my potato crop and noticed that some potatoes are soft rather than firm. They look fine. Why are these new potatoes soft? 

A:

Potatoes are a living organism. And as such, the tubers (potatoes) have an inert life support system which, similar to cut flowers, will draw from its water supply (potatoes are approximately 79% water) to survive. Whether staying in the ground for an extended time or stored too long in a pantry, potatoes will eventually begin their reproductive cycle (sprout, skin greening) and dehydrate as they draw in stored moisture. Fortunately, if the potatoes are still relatively firm and not overly-dehydrated they can absolutely still be used. Just peel away any green skins and discard any sprouting that may have occurred and prepare as desired.