What temperature should water be for re-hydrating hash browns?

The most suitable temperature for re-hydrating hash browns is warm water. Utilizing warm water facilitates the absorption of moisture by the dehydrated potatoes, helping to restore their texture more effectively than colder temperatures. The warmth encourages the starches in the hash browns to soften and expand, resulting in a better final product that retains the desired flavor and consistency during cooking.

Using cold water may slow down the rehydration process, potentially leading to unevenly re-hydrated hash browns with a less than ideal texture. Room temperature water, while not as extreme as cold or hot, also does not provide the optimal conditions for efficient rehydration. On the other hand, hot water could cook the hash browns prematurely or cause them to break apart, which is not desirable when preparing them for subsequent cooking. Warm water strikes a balance, promoting a thorough and even rehydration while maintaining the integrity of the hash browns.