No other tuber can match the popularity and versatility of a potato. It is therefore a constant guest in the pantry. But what about the freezer, can she go in there too? And most importantly, how does it taste when it comes out?

Potatoes should not be frozen raw

Raw potatoes do not tolerate frost

Raw potatoes contain a lot of starch, but the frost in the freezer converts it piece by piece into sugar. The result is a sweet potato that no longer tastes like a "real" potato. In addition, the cell structure is destroyed and the tubers become mushy and glassy after thawing.

Frozen raw fries are shock-frozen in the industry and this is the only way to keep their taste. However, we do not have this possibility of shock freezing with our home devices.

tips

Potatoes can be stored well for long periods in a dark, cool and dry place. This is the better alternative to a chest freezer.

Boiled potatoes - only if you have to!

If boiled potatoes are left over, they usually end up in the garbage can. Freezing is a way to use up the leftovers at a later date. But that should be the exception. Boiled potatoes withstand high sub-zero temperatures better than raw ones, but they do not remain completely unchanged.

For freezing, the potatoes that are not too soft are peeled and cut into pieces if necessary. When they are cold, they are placed in portions in suitable freezer containers and frozen immediately.

After thawing, they can be processed into porridge or used as a soup ingredient. An acceptable taste can be achieved by adding cream, herbs or spices. Frozen potato slices and chunks can also be used in gratins and casseroles.

Ready cooked dishes with potatoes

Potatoes are best frozen as part of ready-to-eat meals. These are, for example, the following dishes:

  • Potato soup
  • Mashed potatoes
  • fried potatoes
  • potato dumplings

Whenever leftovers of such food are left, they can easily be placed in the freezer. You can also safely leave other dishes with a potato portion to the cold. The following applies:

  • freeze freshly cooked
  • only completely cold dishes
  • in appropriate portion sizes

thawing

Depending on the form in which the potatoes were frozen, thawing can take place differently.

  • thaw in the fridge for several hours
  • preferably overnight
  • suitable for ready-cooked meals
  • Use frozen potato pieces immediately when cooking
  • they thaw quickly due to the heat

Freeze sweet potatoes

The confluence of yams and frost is far more enjoyable. The potato tubers can be frozen whole or in pieces, but they must be cooked beforehand.

  • let the cooked sweet potato pieces cool down
  • freeze packed in freezer containers

The ice-cold pieces may be added to the cooking food directly from the freezer. Whole sweet potatoes can be baked in the oven.

durability

Frozen chunks of potato can stay in the freezer for up to 12 months. Ready cooked and frozen dishes with potatoes should be consumed within 3 months.

Conclusion for fast readers

  • Raw potatoes: They are not suitable for freezing
  • Frost effect: starch is converted into sugar; the typical potato taste is lost, mushy consistency
  • Tip: It is better to store unprocessed potato tubers in a dark, cool and dry place
  • Boiled Potatoes: Freezing is possible but not ideal; Consistency and taste change
  • Use: further processing into porridge, soups or casseroles
  • Spice up the taste: by adding cream, herbs or spices
  • Potato dishes: This is the best way to freeze potatoes
  • Mashed potatoes, potato soup, fried potatoes and other dishes containing potatoes can go in the chest
  • Freezing: freshly cooked, completely cooled; in appropriate portion sizes
  • Thawing: Ready meals in the refrigerator for several hours; Process frozen potato pieces
  • Sweet potatoes: Tolerates frost well; freeze cooked; whole or cut into pieces
  • Shelf life: boiled potato pieces 12 months; ready meals 3 months

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

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Vegetable garden