Why soak old potatoes in tap water rather than salt water?

Soaking potatoes in water, whether tap water or salt water, is not recommended. Soaking potatoes before cooking is a common practice, but it's not necessary and may have some negative effects on the final texture and flavor of your dish.

Here's why you should not soak old potatoes in salt water:

1. Nutritional Loss: Soaking potatoes in water, regardless of whether it's tap water or salt water, can result in the loss of essential nutrients. Minerals such as potassium and vitamin C, which are found near the skin of the potatoes, can leach into the water during soaking. This nutrient loss can affect the nutritional value of the cooked potatoes.

2. Textural Changes: While some claim soaking potatoes helps remove excess starch and prevents them from becoming gummy or mealy, it's essential to understand that soaking can actually worsen their texture. Soaking potatoes in water causes the cells to absorb water, making them more prone to breaking down during cooking. This can lead to softer and mushier potatoes, rather than the desired crispy or fluffy texture.

3. Flavor Dilution: Soaking potatoes in water, including salt water, can also dilute their natural flavor. The salt in the water may contribute some flavor, but it can't replace the complex flavors and aromas that are inherent in the potato itself.

4. Seasoning Issues: Seasoning potatoes before cooking allows the flavors to better penetrate and enhance the potato's taste. Soaking potatoes in water or salt water can wash away any seasonings or coatings you may have applied to the potatoes before cooking.

Instead of soaking old potatoes, here are a few tips to ensure they cook evenly and have a great texture:

- Choose the right potatoes: Old potatoes tend to be higher in starch and might have a different cooking behavior compared to fresh potatoes. If possible, opt for fresh potatoes for best results.

- Steam before roasting: Steaming old potatoes for a few minutes before roasting or baking can help break down some of the starch and reduce the risk of mushiness.

- Use dry heat for crispier results: Cooking old potatoes using dry heat methods like roasting, baking, or air frying can help achieve a crispy texture.

- Season generously: Season the potatoes well with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings before cooking to enhance their flavor.

Remember, soaking potatoes is generally unnecessary and can have some drawbacks. Fresh potatoes, proper cooking techniques, and adequate seasoning are key to achieving delicious and well-textured potatoes.