How To Keep Cut Potatoes From Turning Brown

Protect those peeled potatoes.

This process, which is called oxidation, happens because potatoes are a naturally starchy vegetable.

And when exposed to oxygen, starches turn gray, brown, or even black.

Southern Living Roasted Potatoes chopped and ready to roast

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Can You Eat Brown Potatoes?

Yes, an oxidized potato is completely safe to eat.

The process doesn’t affect the flavor or texture of the vegetable.

Southern Living Breakfast Potatoes cutting the potatoes into cubes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

But who wants to sit down to a bowl of graypotato salad?

Thankfully this isn’t hard to do.

Here are three simple ways to keep cut, peeled potatoes looking nice and white.

If time allows, peel and slice the potatoes right before you cook them.

This will help slow the oxidation process even more.

While this isn’t always the case, glass baking dishes and mixing bowls are a safer choice.

After a day of sitting in water, the potatoes will start to absorb more water.

That can ultimately make them very watery and gritty.

Typically, they can last up to 24 hours submerged in water.