What is the important factor to ensure when submerging cut potatoes?

When submerging cut potatoes, ensuring that they are submerged at least one inch underneath the water is crucial. This practice helps to keep the potatoes from oxidizing, which can lead to discoloration and affect their texture and flavor. Thorough submersion also aids in uniformly rinsing away excess starch, which can improve the fries' final texture when cooked. Maintaining this level of submersion prevents any portions from floating above the water, which would not benefit from the same rinsing process and could lead to inconsistent quality in the fried potatoes. By keeping the potatoes submerged adequately, you contribute to achieving the best culinary results.