Some people believe food is just food. However, other people would argue that one version of food can be better than the other. For instance, talking about potato flakes vs real potatoes.
There are several differences between the two types of potatoes.
Potato flakes are pre-cooked, dehydrated flat chunks of potatoes, while real potatoes are also called fresh potatoes or whole potatoes.
I bet these two products sound like different items, but they are just two different ways of saying the same thing.
Below, were going to look at the differences between potato flakes and real potatoes in detail!
Contents
- What Are Potato Flakes?
- What Are Real Potatoes?
- Potato Flakes Vs Real Potatoes: Key Differences
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Are potato flakes the same as potatoes?
- Are instant potato flakes real potatoes?
- Is potato starch same as potato flakes?
- How much potato flakes equals one potato?
- Why use potato flakes?
- What is the purpose of potato flakes?
- Are Idahoan mashed potatoes real potatoes?
- Are dehydrated potato flakes healthy?
- How to make potato flakes from real potatoes?
- Are potato flakes already cooked?
What Are Potato Flakes?
Potato flakes are a wonderfully versatile ingredient that can be used in several ways.
They are made by cutting, shredding, and drying potatoes until they become crisp. Theyre then ground into a powdery substance that looks like oats.
Potato flakes have a light golden color and a slightly sweet flavor that makes them perfect for adding a bit of flavor to your dishes.
Theyre also great at absorbing moisture and keeping casseroles moist, which means you can make your homemade gravy with them!
The most common uses for potato flakes include:
- Fried potatoes: Potato flakes are the perfect way to make crispy french fries or hash browns
- Baked goods: You can use potato flakes in bread, muffins, and even cakes
- stews: Add some liquid to your soup or stew recipe before baking it to prevent drying out too much during cooking timeSoups
What Are Real Potatoes?
Real potatoes are fresh and whole tuberous root vegetable that belongs to the nightshade family.
In addition, potatoes are versatile enough to serve as the base for many dishes:
They can be mashed into a pure (mashed potatoes), diced into cubes and fried (hash browns), shredded into strands (french fries), or sliced into thin rounds (potato chips).
They can also be baked whole until tender inside with crispy skin on top (baked or roasted potatoes).
They may also be used as an ingredient in soups and stews!
Potato Flakes Vs Real Potatoes: Key Differences
Potato flakes and real potatoes are both made from the same thing: potatoes. But thats where the similarities end.
Potato flakes are made by removing the water from boiled potatoes, then grinding them into a powder. Theyre usually used in potato chips or frozen french fries to add more texture and crunch.
On the other hand, real potatoes are whole potatoes that can be cooked, fried, or mashed up. Theyre used in all dishes, including soups and salads, because theyre easy to prepare at home and retain many flavors when cooked properly (though they do take some time).
Additionally, potato flakes are about half as nutritious as fresh potatoes. They have fewer nutrients than fresh potatoes, but they have some nutritional value.
The most important thing to remember is that you can use any potato for most recipes, but some dishes work better with certain types.
For example, mashed potatoes taste best when made from russet potatoes; French fries taste best when made from long reds or Yukon golds; boiled new potatoes are great for salads; baked new potatoes make a tasty side dish; with dinner; sweet potato pie is delicious at Thanksgiving dinner!
Conclusion
As you can see from the research above, if you should choose between these potatoes, it should be fresh potatoes.
Not only are they nutritious but also flavorful and versatile.
Even though most commercials prefer potato flakes, you can make this yourself or buy it in handy pouches at the grocery store.
You would appreciate it more if you were looking for something cheap and easy to use.
You may also be interested in the following posts:
- What is the difference between tapioca starch and potato starch?
- Why Use Potato Flakes in Bread?
- Can You Make Scalloped Potatoes
FAQs
Are potato flakes the same as potatoes?
Sometimes called potato buds, instant mashed potato flakes are dehydrated cooked potatoes. Reconstitute them with hot water or milk, and you’ve got mashed potatoes. While there’s no question that making mashed potatoes from scratch is worth the effort, potato flakes do have their place.
Are instant potato flakes real potatoes?
Instant potatoes are made from real potatoes that have been dehydrated, so by adding ingredients you’d normally throw in with homemade mashed potatoes, you’ll be well on your way to practically homemade potatoes in a fraction of the time.
Is potato starch same as potato flakes?
Sometimes even dried potato flakes can be a substitute for potato starch—yes, the kind in the box that you use when you want instant mashed potatoes.
How much potato flakes equals one potato?
One cup of prepared Idahoan Mashed Potatoes = one medium fresh potato. Five pounds of fresh potatoes = approximately 1 pound of dry Idahoan flakes (or approximately 10 medium fresh potatoes).
Why use potato flakes?
Potato Flakes can be more versatile and easier to use than the actual potatoes because they can take the form of whatever your innovative mind lets you create. From handheld little appetizers to side dishes, soups, sweets and more, there are so many ways on how to cook potatoes.
What is the purpose of potato flakes?
Potato Flakes Applications
As a replacement for cornstarch and wheat flour, dehydrated potato flakes add volume to soups, sauces, etc. and are suitable to use as a thickening agent.
Are Idahoan mashed potatoes real potatoes?
If you’ve been debating trying Idahoan mashed potatoes, take comfort in the fact that they are real potatoes, with quality ingredients.
Are dehydrated potato flakes healthy?
1 Because they are made from fresh potatoes, dehydrated potatoes deliver the same nutrients as fresh potatoes, (such as potassium, vitamin C and fiber).
How to make potato flakes from real potatoes?
Set the potatoes on dehydrator fruit roll sheets or a parchment paper-lined dehydrator tray. Dehydrate on 145˚ F for approximately 6 hours or until dry and all moisture is removed. Break the sheets into chunks, and put in a blender, pulsing until just ground into flakes.
Are potato flakes already cooked?
Instant mashed potatoes are made from dehydrated potatoes
It’s really all natural: Instant mashed potato flakes are made from dehydrated potatoes. To be more specific, they’re dehydrated potatoes that have already been cooked and mashed. This is why the potatoes are ready to eat once they’re mixed with liquid.