It's all about enzyme reaction, baby! When you peel a potato, you're exposing the cells to oxygen, which triggers an enzyme that turns the starches into sugars, making them turn brown. But, if you keep them submerged in water, you can slow down this reaction and keep your potatoes looking fresh for a longer period.
Now, you might be wondering, what's the max time you can peel potatoes before cooking them? Well, the general rule of thumb is to peel them no more than 24 hours before cooking. But, if you're planning to boil or steam them, you can get away with peeling them just 30 minutes before cooking - talk about a quick turnaround!
How to Store Potatoes to Max Out Their Shelf Life
Interestingly, some chefs swear by peeling potatoes days in advance, as long as they're stored in the right conditions. For example, if you store them in a cold, dark place, with a little bit of moisture, they'll stay fresh for longer. It's all about controlling the environment and keeping those enzymes at bay!