Baking soda transforms jacket potato texture
Adding half a teaspoon of baking soda to the parboiling water is the simple secret to achieving fluffier jacket potatoes, culinary experts and food scientists confirm. This everyday kitchen staple raises the pH of the water, breaking down the potato's outer layer and creating a starchy coating that leads to a crisp exterior and an exceptionally light, fluffy interior.
Food science writer J. Kenji López-Alt, writing for Serious Eats, explains that baking soda raises the pH level of the water when potatoes are parboiled, causing the outer layer to break down more quickly. This process creates a starchy coating that encourages a crisp exterior while helping the inside become lighter and fluffier.
How to prepare jacket potatoes with baking soda
Serious Eats recommends adding about half a teaspoon of baking soda to a pan of salted water, then parboiling whole potatoes for around 10 minutes. After draining, allow the potatoes to steam dry before rubbing them with a little oil and seasoning. Roast until the skins are crisp and the centres are tender.
The Idaho Potato Commission also stresses the importance of thorough drying before roasting, noting that excess moisture can prevent the skins from becoming crisp. It advises baking potatoes directly on the oven rack where possible to allow hot air to circulate evenly around them.
Choosing the right potato variety
According to BBC Good Food, selecting a floury potato variety such as Maris Piper, King Edward or Russet makes a noticeable difference. These varieties naturally contain more starch and less moisture than waxy potatoes, producing a softer, fluffier centre when cooked.
Food experts also advise against wrapping jacket potatoes in foil during cooking. BBC Good Food says that foil traps steam around the potato, softening the skin rather than allowing it to crisp up in the oven.
Baking temperature and timing
The Idaho Potato Commission recommends baking potatoes at a high temperature, typically around 200C to 220C, until they are tender all the way through. Cooking times vary depending on size, but most medium potatoes take around an hour.
Although baking soda is commonly used by chefs when preparing roast potatoes, food experts say the same principle can help improve jacket potatoes by encouraging a fluffier interior. Combined with choosing the right potato variety and baking at a high temperature, it could help elevate a simple midweek meal.
