Ask Dr. Potato

Q: Hi, I was curious if it is safe to boil potatoes with each potato covered with aluminum foil. Many thanks for considering my request.

Q: Can I use plastic wrap and make my own plastic wrap microwave ready potatoes at home ahead of time and store them like the already plastic wrapped ones at the grocery store?

Q: I have seed potatoes that are heavily sprouting in February. We plant them at the end of May, beginning of June in our zone. Can I knock off the sprouts now, and will they be good and re-sprout for our planting time?

Q: I do a great deal of freeze drying with my Harvest Right machine. I've held back on potatoes because because of the oxidation issue. How do I keep my sliced, or diced potatoes from oxidizing while I process them for the freeze dryer? I assume that I can put them straight from the water into the freeze dryer without drying them off because the freeze dryer will remove the moisture during it's processing. Can I just soak them in the cold water/lemon juice bath, or do I need to blanch as well?

Q: How not have soggy or watery potato salad?

Q: Do older potatoes lose water more quickly than fresh potatoes? If so, why?

Q: What happens if I eat a bad potato? 

Q: Does covering potatoes make them sprout quicker?

Q: I cooked a roast one week ago with potatoes. The leftovers have been in my refrigerator. Is it safe to eat the potatoes eight days later? Can I fry them?

Q: I love Idaho potato chips, they are my favorite! Can you tell me if I can buy these chips from any local Idaho companies?