The Best Way to Keep Potatoes Fresh: Ultimate Guide to Store Them for 3 Months
The humble potato, a staple in the kitchen, is known for its quick sprouting and browning. However, ingenious ways of preserving it by freezing have emerged.
Here are those methods that reduce the preparation hassle to zero and keep the potato as fresh as the first day for up to three months.
The key to simplifying life in the kitchen lies in utilizing the freezer correctly.
When it comes to potatoes, many of us hold the belief that 'Raw potatoes shouldn't be put in the freezer, they'll get soggy.' This piece of wisdom is partially true; raw potatoes are indeed not suitable for freezing. However, if you apply the correct method of blanching, you can have a massive arsenal of ready-to-use potatoes at your disposal. Be it white, sweet, or purple potatoes... Regardless of the type, with these methods, your potatoes will maintain their prime condition in the freezer for up to three months.
1. How to Freeze Boiled Potatoes?
Apply this method for cubed potatoes that you can instantly add to your meals or salads:
Preparation: Peel the potatoes (though this is optional) and cut them into your desired size.
Blanching: Toss them into boiling water and cook until they're slightly firm. To halt the cooking process, immediately plunge them into icy water and then drain.
Freezing: Arrange them on a tray in a way that they don't touch each other and pop it into the freezer. After 6-12 hours, once they're completely frozen, transfer them into airtight bags.
How to Cook? There's no need to thaw the small cubes. You can directly add them into boiling water or into the dish you're cooking. As for the larger pieces, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then boil.
2. How to Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Having mashed potatoes stashed in your freezer can be a real lifesaver for unexpected guests.
Preparation: Boil the diced potatoes thoroughly, then drain them.
Flavoring: Mash them to your taste, adding butter, milk, or cream, and let them cool completely. (To cool them quickly, you can place the bowl of mashed potatoes in another bowl filled with ice).
Freezing: Divide the mashed potatoes into portion-sized freezer bags and spread them as flat as possible inside the bag. This not only saves space but also ensures quick thawing.
How to Cook? You can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or put them directly into the pan while still frozen. Simply heat them over low heat, stirring continuously until they are thoroughly warmed.
3. How to Freeze French Fries?
Create the luxury of ready-made frozen fries at home, either oven-baked or deep-fried:
Preparation: Slice the potatoes into fries or wedges. Briefly boil them in hot water (up to 5 minutes for larger pieces), then immediately plunge them into icy water. After draining, give the potatoes a gentle shake to fluff them up.
Coating: Toss the potatoes in some vegetable oil, goose fat, or duck fat to ensure they're thoroughly coated.
Freezing: Arrange the potatoes individually on a tray and freeze, then transfer into zip-lock bags.
How to Cook? Never thaw them. For the best results, put the frozen potatoes directly into a preheated oven (adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the usual cooking time) or drop them straight into hot oil for frying.
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