Potatoes should be firm to the touch when purchased to ensure freshness. They should be stored in a well vented cool place to prevent sprouting. A potato that has started to sprout will not taste right because the potato starts to use up its natural sugars and moisture to feed the sprouting process. Thin skinned potatoes are referred to as new potatoes and the thicker harder skinned ones as old or regular potatoes. Depending on the dish and the desired look you may wish to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. If you are leaving the skin on just give it a good washing with a rough cloth.
