In contrast to oven baking, when potatoes are boiled the starch granules absorb not only the internal moisture but also some of the surrounding water. Extra water contributes to making potatoes gummy when mashed.
Why you shouldn't boil potatoes?
If you boil them fully, they will be watery and loose, says McAllister. And if you turn them off too soon, they will be raw. Also avoid a masher and go for a ricer, instead.
What happens to potato cells when boiled?
As the potato is cooked the cell membrane ruptures; the membrane around the vacuole breaks; the membrane around the starch grain breaks and the starch grain swells up, although it initially remains intact; the cell wall breaks down and the contents, including the starch, begin to disperse.
Does boiling potatoes reduce their nutrients?
MYTH #2. MOST COOKING METHODS DESTROY THE NUTRIENTS IN POTATOES. While boiling potatoes does cause a small loss of water-soluble nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B6, the white potato retains most, if not all, of its potassium and dietary fiber regardless of cooking method, such as baking, boiling, or frying.
What does boiling potatoes do to starch?
Blanch in hot water Blanching potatoes in hot water helps to remove even more starch. They only need to be cooked for a few minutes until tender. The tiny starch granules absorb the hot water and swell and burst, transferring the starch from the potato to the boiling water.
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