Potatoes | Food Initiative | Washington College (2024)

1. Learn By Doing
2. Lifelong Learning
3. Food & Lifestyle
4. Detoxify
5. Potatoes

Timeframe: 3-5Days

Reduce toxic glycoalkaloidsinpotatoes through fermentation.

Industrial Pesticides and Chemicals

Pesticides are liberally applied to fields, then sprout inhibitors are sprayed on potatoes once they are harvested. Peel potatoes to remove pesticides, and seek organic potatoes.

Basic Method for Detoxifying Potatoes

1. Peel potatoes; compost skins.
2. Slice into smaller pieces.
3. Tarealarge mason jar or similarvesselon a scale. Add potatoes, cover with water, and weigh.
4. Multiply weight by 2%, and add that amount in salt to the jar. Stir or capand shake to dissolve.

   No scale? No worries! 2 pounds of potatoes covered in a half gallon mason jar will require about 40 grams of salt, or roughly 2 tablespoons.
   

5. Let ferment for 3-5 days, then strain water. The fermentation reducesglycoalkaloids.Thesoaking reduces excess starch and the formation of acrylamide, atoxincreated bycooking starch.

Lacto-Fermented French Fries

1. Dry fermented potato slices with a clean dishtowel, orspreadevenly on a baking sheet and freeze until ready to use.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F.
3. Drizzlelightly with a healthy fat, sprinkle with salt and desired spices, and bakefor 20 minutes to cook potatoes.
4. Increase oven to 425°F and continue bakingfor 20 minutes for crispy fries.
5. Serve with a homemade ranch dressingor akefir cheeseherbal dip.Enjoy!

Potato toxins are concentrated in the skins, which can also be coated in harmful chemicals.

Ferment potatoes in a large vessel for3-5 days before cooking.

Pat potatoes dry with a clean dishcloth if making french fries.