When preparing fries, why is it important not to soak them too long?

Soaking fries for too long can lead to an undesirable acid effect. This effect occurs when the starches in the potatoes begin to break down excessively, which alters the flavor and texture of the fries during cooking. Ideally, fries should be soaked just long enough to remove excess starch, promoting crispiness once they are fried. If they are soaked for an extended period, it can negatively influence the overall quality of the fries, resulting in a less appealing product.

While increased cooking time, too much salt absorption, and changes in color may also occur due to improper soaking, they are not the primary reasons behind the importance of time management in the soaking process. Therefore, the acid effect stands out as the most pertinent reason to ensure fries are not soaked longer than necessary.