#Potatoes

Following the harvest in Ukraine, food prices are starting to rise: potatoes went up by 13.6% in a month, and by the end of 2026, experts expect increases in dairy products, eggs, bread, and greenhouse vegetables. No deficit is forecasted due to excess supply.

Potatoes, beets, and carrots require different boiling times depending on piece size. We review guidelines from Potatoes USA, Montana State University, and doneness tests for salads and side dishes.

Food science experts explain that a potato's culinary use is determined by starch and moisture content rather than skin color. Crumbly varieties work for mashes and latkes, firm ones for salads and soups, and versatile yellow types suit most dishes.

Culinary expert Daniel Gritzer explained why pouring hot kettle water over potatoes turns the vegetable into a watery mush, and revealed the correct boiling technique.