Why should potatoes be considered a "weight" in a recipe?

Considering potatoes as a "weight" in a recipe is accurate because they can be weighed on a scale. Weight is a critical measurement in cooking and baking, especially for ingredients that can vary significantly in volume based on their shape or how they are cut. Weighing ingredients like potatoes ensures precision, which can significantly impact the outcome of a recipe.

The density and moisture content of potatoes can differ depending on the variety and preparation method. By using weight, cooks can achieve consistency across different cooking sessions and recipes. This is particularly important in baking, where precise ingredient ratios are essential for the desired texture and flavor.

While potatoes might have some standard sizes, can be measured in cups, and have uniform shapes to some extent, these factors do not provide the level of accuracy that weighing them does. Thus, using weight as the measurement method is the most reliable for ensuring that recipes turn out as intended.