Potatoes are considered a starchy vegetable and are typically cooked before consumption. While raw potatoes are safe to eat, they may be difficult to digest and can cause stomach discomfort for some individuals. Cooking potatoes helps break down their starches, making them easier to digest and enhancing their flavor. Therefore, potatoes are not typically considered raw food. **

Potatoes are typically considered a starchy vegetable and are often cooked before consumption. However, they can also be eaten raw, although it is less common. Raw potatoes are safe to eat in moderation, but some people may find them difficult to digest and may experience stomach discomfort. It is important to note that certain varieties of potatoes contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if consumed in large quantities, so it is best to consume them in moderation and preferably cooked. **

German potatoes are called "Kartoffeln" because the word "Kartoffel" comes from the Italian word "tartufolo," which means "truffle." When potatoes were first introduced to Europe, they were initially mistaken for truffles due to their similar appearance. Over time, the word "tartufolo" evolved into "Kartoffel" in German. Therefore, German potatoes are called "Kartoffeln" due to the historical association with the Italian word for truffle. **

It depends on the recipe and personal preference. New potatoes have a thinner skin and a sweeter flavor, making them great for roasting, boiling, or using in salads. Regular household potatoes, such as russet or Yukon gold, have a thicker skin and a more starchy texture, making them better for mashing, baking, or frying. Ultimately, the choice between new potatoes and regular household potatoes depends on the specific dish you are preparing. **

Early potatoes are suitable for mashed potatoes, as they have a creamy texture and thin skin that makes them easy to mash. Their flavor is also mild and buttery, which is ideal for mashed potatoes. Additionally, early potatoes tend to be smaller in size, making them quicker to cook and easier to mash compared to larger varieties. Overall, early potatoes can make delicious and creamy mashed potatoes. **

The number of potatoes needed for mashed potatoes can vary depending on the recipe and the desired quantity. As a general guideline, you can estimate that one medium-sized potato yields about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of mashed potatoes. So, for a side dish serving for 4 people, you would need around 2-3 medium-sized potatoes. It's always a good idea to have a few extra potatoes on hand just in case you need to adjust the consistency of the mashed potatoes. **

Potatoes can be good for acne because they are a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can help promote healthy skin. Additionally, potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. However, consuming potatoes in excessive amounts or in unhealthy forms, such as fried or processed, may contribute to acne due to their high glycemic index and potential to spike blood sugar levels. It's important to consume potatoes in moderation and in healthy preparations to potentially benefit from their skin-friendly nutrients. **

To prepare mashed potatoes using waxy potatoes, start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized chunks. Boil the potato chunks in salted water until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or ricer. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste, and continue mashing until you reach your desired consistency. Serve the mashed potatoes hot as a delicious side dish. **