Will potatoes turn brown / gray in oil?

Will potatoes turn brown / gray in oil? - Abstract backdrop of artwork representing grey paint tones with curved lines and tiny blots

When I was a fry cook we made fresh fries and kept them in a bucket of water to keep them from turning brown (not sure if that's oxidation or what), will oil inhibit the same chemical reaction?

I plan on coating the potato wedges in (canola) oil and seasonings, then broiling them, that's why I was thinking pre-marinating might be advantageous.



Best Answer

Yes, it's oxidation, so yes, oil will stop it happening. However, broiling the potatoes straight from the oil will not yield very good results. You are much better off par-boiling them for 3 or 4 minutes, draining them, leaving them to steam and dry out for a few minutes, then coating them in oil and seasoning, and baking them for 30-45 mins. This will yield a nice, crispy-on-the-outside-fluffy-on-the-inside result.

So, if you're boiling them you might as well put them straight in the water you're going to use to do that.




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Will potatoes brown if coated in oil?

No. Oil does not prevent potatoes from turning brown. But if you put a piece of bread into hot oil, it will turn golden brown. So, yes, oil will help to prevent potatoes from turning brown, but not by itself.

Will oiled potatoes turn brown?

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. An oxidized potato is completely safe to eat, the process doesn't affect the flavor or texture of the vegetable.

Why did my potatoes turn GREY after cooking?

After you remove potatoes from the cooking water, ferri-chlorogenic acid slowly mixes with oxygen, creating a color that can range from gray to black to purple to bluish. What is this? The color change is gradual.

Why do potatoes brown when they are fried in oil but not when they are boiled in water?

Boiled or steamed potatoes, for instance, won't noticeably change in color. Fried and baked potatoes do turn brown because the chemical reactions required to brown them only happen if: The temperature is high enough. There isn't too much water.



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