Boiling potatoes

Cat72

For some reason I cant boil potatoes anymore- they keep turning to mush ! and I have to end up having mashed potatoes. Can anyone help and advise how you get nice boiled potatoes ? I bring them to the boil and simmer but no joy. Tried adding butter and it made no differance. I wash them before hand to get rid of the starch.

tanith

New Potatoes usually boil perfectly but there are some varieties of winter crop potatoes that do not like to be boiled and are better for jacket or chipping.. try a different variety till you find one you like... I prefer King Edwards or Mari Piper:T

thriftlady_2

It's the variety of the potato Cat We're into maincrop spuds now which tend to be floury and therefore better for mashing or baking. There will be some around that are better for boiling - sorry can't remember names, but try a change of variety.

UniqueEarthling

I don't think you are doing anything wrong but some makes of potato just don't boil well.

You could try a different make or, if you have loads of these ones left, you could try steaming them. This often helps to prevent the floury, mashy ones breaking up.

chinneybigchops

yes, I only use Maris Piper or King Edwards this time of year, shame coz they are alot more expensive but I am sick of ruining dinner and they definetly are more tasty

victory

Just before they are boiled I always turn off the heat and let the 'steam' finish off the cooking and that way they come out perfect xxx

Cat72

Many thnaks for your quick replies. I try to use mars pirpers but have found sometimes I still get the same problem but I usually use organic potatoes so its like you say, must be the crop season. Thanks for all your help I think I will just stick to new potatoes until the crop season changes- whenever that is !