Ben Ebbrell

The chemistry of the perfect roast Achieving the holy grail of roast potatoes—a glass-like shard of a crust protecting a cloud-like interior—requires more than just heat. It requires a fundamental understanding of surface area and moisture management. When we evaluate techniques like freezing, microwaving, or chemical interventions, we are really looking at how these methods manipulate the potato's starch and water content. The goal is always to maximize the starchy "slurry" on the outside while maintaining structural integrity within. Frozen goose fat method takes the crown Ranking highest in our evaluation is the freezing method, a technique that leverages the drying power of sub-zero temperatures. By par-boiling Maris Piper potatoes for 10-15 minutes, coating them in melted goose fat, and freezing them solid, you create an incredibly dry exterior. In the culinary world, moisture is the enemy of crisping; by removing it through freezing, the fat can immediately begin frying the surface in the oven. The result is a 9.7/10 experience that delivers a crunch so profound it nearly defies logic. This method isn't just a shortcut; it's a superior technical approach to texture. Microwave shortcuts provide midweek relief For those lacking the luxury of a 24-hour prep window, the microwave and air fryer combination, popularized by Shelina Permalloo, proves remarkably effective. Ten minutes of steaming in a microwave-safe dish par-cooks the tubers effectively, allowing for a quick "rough and tumble" to release surface starch. While the flavor lacks the depth of long-roasted animal fats, the convenience of a 40-minute start-to-finish window earns it a solid 8/10. It is the definitive hack for the time-poor gourmet. Bicarbonate of soda fails the taste test There is a common belief that adding bicarbonate of soda to the boiling water improves texture by breaking down the pectin on the potato's surface. However, our testing reveals a significant drawback: flavor distortion. While it produces a flaky, tender exterior, it introduces a strange, almost pastry-like sweetness and an oily mouthfeel that distracts from the potato's natural earthy profile. At a 5/10 rating, this is a "science hack" that solves a structural problem but creates a sensory one, proving that sometimes the traditional ways—or a cold freezer—remain the true masters of the kitchen.