What can I do to prevent cut potatoes from turning black when I wont be cooking them for another 3 hours?

Answer 1

Put them in a bowl of lemon water with a little salt.

Answer 2

Potatoes will turn black when cut if exposed to air whether you put them in the refrigerator or not.
What happens is the oxygen reacts with the chemicals already present in the potatoe.. this is oxidation.
Keep those potatoes covered with water or a damp cloth. For potatoes that turn black after peeling This is a natural reaction to metals, to stop this blackening, try adding a spoonful of vinegar to the cooking water.

Answer 3

OK why are you peeling (I'm guessing they are peeled) them so early? 3 hours ahead of time seems like being a little TOO ready. But since you have done this, cover the potatoes completely with water and a little salt - that's all! No lemon or anything else, just a little salt, and let them sit until ready to use.

Answer 4

Put then in a bowl with some ice water covering them this will also draw out the starch. They turn black when they are in open air.

Answer 5

I place them completely underwater in a bowl and place into refrigerator until ready to cook. Just pour off water and cook as desired.

Answer 6

I put them in a bowl of cold water and pop it in the fridge until I'm ready to cook them.

Answer 7

Rinse them after peeling and put in the pot and fill it with cold water, cover and place in fridge.

I often find I peel too many spuds so I will leave them for 24 hours, so I know this works

Answer 8

Yep, what she said - put them in the pot with cold water. I've never done the lemon juice part but I'm sure it can't hurt.

Answer 9

lemon juice and cold water. this works on apples, bananas, and if you are making scrambled eggs, add a little, just a little and you can keep the eggs on heat longer without them turning green!

Answer 10

Cover them completely with tap water.