What should be done before cutting potatoes for fries?

Soaking potatoes in water before cutting them for fries is a crucial step to improve the quality of the fries. This process helps to remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes. When excess starch is washed away, it allows for better frying, resulting in fries that are crispier on the outside and fluffier on the inside. The soaking process can also help in achieving a more uniform color when frying, as the removal of starch prevents them from sticking together.

Other steps like washing, peeling, and drying can be important in their own right, but the act of soaking specifically addresses the frying quality of the fries, making it a key practice in preparing them properly for cooking.