Potato Salad Question

[disneyfanatic60]

I have two questions actually.

1. The last few times I've made potato salad my potatoes have turned grey/blackish. Not all of them but enough. Am I doing something wrong?

2. I have a grad party for my DD in a few weeks. I am making all the foods and lots of it. Can I boil my potatoes on Friday and put in refrig. after cooling and then mix everything on Saturday. The party is Sunday. I think making and mixing it all Friday is too early. If so, should I just put the whole potatoes unpeeled in the refrig. or peel and cut them?

Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[piratesmate]

The potatoes may be turning grey/black from contact with the air. I always make my potatoes into salad as soon as they're cool enough to handle. (not cold, just cool enough) Also, I prefer to make it the day before we eat it so the flavors have a chance to blend.

Also, don't cover with foil - use plastic wrap. The metal will react with the mayo and potatoes & turn them again.

 

[denisem]

Found this on the following website: Whole Health

"Potatoes occasionally turn gray or dark after they are boiled; this color change may be caused by the conditions under which they were grown or stored. It's impossible to tell which potatoes will turn dark, but the discoloration does not affect flavor, texture, or nutritional value. Contact with aluminum or iron will also discolor potatoes, so cook them in stainless steel pots. For the same reason, raw potatoes should not be cut with a carbon steel (nonstainless) knife. If exposed to air, peeled raw potatoes will also discolor. Cook the potatoes immediately in a pot of water that has already been brought to a boil. And if you are interrupted while preparing them, place them in a bowl of cold water, then add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar. This trick will help to keep the potatoes white."

I seem to recall my mom boiling potatoes ahead, draining them, then covering with fresh cold water & storing in the fridge overnight. Maybe try a "test run" before the party with a few potatoes to see how it works out for you?

Denise < --- too lazy for potato salad, makes pasta salads instead

 

[Cruise04]

I just made potato salad a few weeks ago. After I cook my potatoes I rinse them with cold water for a few minutes. Then I let them drain and sit for about 30 minutes then rinse them again with cold and let them sit for about 15 minutes. I've never had a potato turn colors.

I also make mine ahead of time and love it better the second day around. Just make sure you stir it before you eat.

 

[disneyfanatic60]

Thanks, I'll have to try the cold water and see if it helps. Does anyone know can I boil the potatoes and cut them up on say Friday but not mix the mayo, etc. until Saturday. I won't be serving until Sunday. I'll be taking it to the park in ziploc bags. I just pack small bags and only put a little out at a time tossing the old salad if any is left.

 

[Cruise04]

I would think that if you keep the potatoes cool they should be fine. Boil one today and see what happens in a couple of days.