Dirty little Potatoes

I've recently prepared several dishes using fresh potatoes and felt it was a good time for a little lesson.

We all know the importance of washing our vegetables and fruits prior to eating them to remove dirt, pesticides, and other germs and bacteria, but did you know that simply hand scrubbing or rinsing some vegetables just isn't enough?

When it comes to potatoes of all varieties, it is important to thoroughly clean them as opposed to a quick rinse. Dirt on the surface may wash away but there is always dirt hiding in the cracks of the potato skins that doesn't quite rinse off without a good scrub. This is where a potato brush comes into play.

Make sure you buy appropriately for your hand, you want it to be about the same size as your hand so it is best to try gripping it before purchasing to determine your comfort level. Also, make sure the bristles are fairly firm by running your finger across them. If they are floppy or bend over with your touch than these are not up to  the job. These brushes are a necessary tool in the kitchen and are not expensive. Stop eating dirt and start scrubbing them taters!