I've read the argument in several articles and recipes (I don't have the references in front of me right now) that peeling potatoes before boiling them increases the amount of water they absorb, which in turn hurts their flavor and/or texture. Is this true?
Does peeling potatoes before boiling them actually increase the amount of water they absorb
boilingpotatoes
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Best Answer
Cook's Illustrated "New Best Recipe" Book in their dissertation on making Mashed Potatoes used several methods: peel & dice, peel & whole, etc.. and the 'best and most consistent' results achieved was by boiling them whole then shocking them to cool (put in an ice bath) and then peeling by hand (grip in two hands and twist).
Having used this technique for several years I will say you have received good information. Less water, but still soft and fluffy...and most importantly 'tasty' (IMHO).
Ok, so it's a couple of days later and I finally have a moment to catch up to this. From Cook's Illustrated "New Best Recipe" Book pp.186-8
(note: If you can pickup a copy of this book, it is a treasure trove of useful kitchen information)
In short it isn't just water absorption (water into the potatoes) that makes them weak, but also what the water removes from the potatoes into the water (and then down the drain) which will produce disappointing results.