Has Anyone Noticed Sweet Tasting Red Potatoes? (tuna, mild, creamy)

[rural chick]

Twice in the last month, I bought red potatoes and the taste is really sweet when I cook them with margarine and herbs in the oven. I know that cooking brings out the sugar in potatoes, but the result was a sweet taste that I really didn't want. I don't think I've ever had potatoes which tasted this sweet and it happened with two different bags of potatoes bought at different places and times.

I wonder if it would be better if I peeled or partially peeled the red potatoes and cut them in half and soaked them in water for several hours to bring out the starch to try to prevent some sugar taste. Any ideas or comments would be appreciated.

[weezycom]

If the potatoes have been refrigerated (as opposed to just held in cool conditions) that can make them sweet, also. Otherwise, I think I would use them in combinations with bitter greens (brussels sprouts, kale, collards, mustard greens, etc.).

[Emeraldmaiden]

I think weezy's probably right; those potatoes were kept too cold. Onions will also sweeten if refrigerated. I've have beautiful, creamy, mild baby red potatoes (from Sprouts), and baby red potatoes that tasted almost bitter (from Walmart Neighborhood Market), but never had them sweet.

[hellpaso]

Originally Posted by weezycom

If the potatoes have been refrigerated (as opposed to just held in cool conditions) that can make them sweet, also.

^ this. That's why you never refrigerate potatoes. Something about converting the starch to sugar--don't ask me to explain!

[jade408]

Also the fresher, younger ones are pretty sweet too. They probably weren't very old.

[coffee18]

Yes refrigeration sweetens potatoes a lot. I once did this without knowing and when I cooked them they tasted just like kumaras (sweet potatoes).

[rural chick]

Thanks for the heads up regarding the potatoes stored in too cool of an area. I never put mine in the refrigerator.

Now I have to find a way to use the potatoes to tone down the sweetness.

[Naturen]

I have found these days that all of the potatoes that I have purchased (red, Yukon gold, russets, white) from the store seem a little sweeter. I do not store my potatoes in the refrigerator but under cool conditions. I am going to make good use of the Farmers' Market this summer - hopefully, I will find potatoes with more character.

[Threestep2]

Cold storage anywhere from producer to consumer - it breaks down the sugars.

[figmalt]

Originally Posted by Threestep

Cold storage anywhere from producer to consumer - it breaks down the sugars.

The producers do not typically store potatoes under refrigerated conditions, but in temperature controlled cellars. They already know how temperature affects taste.

Unfortunately, I see potatoes in the refrigerated produce section at grocery stores all too often. The bright lights will also make them go green, which is why you need to store them in a dark place.

/grew up in Idaho