The best recipes for freezing

Raw potatoes do not tolerate frost

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

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

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 can withstand freezing temperatures better than raw ones, but they do not remain completely unchanged either.

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

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

Ready-cooked dishes with potatoes

The best way to freeze potatoes is as part of ready-made meals. These are, for example, the following dishes:

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

Whenever there is leftover such food, it can easily be put in the freezer. You can also leave other dishes with a potato portion in the cold. The following applies:

• Freeze freshly cooked
• only completely cold dishes
• in suitable portion sizes

thawing

Depending on the shape in which the potatoes were frozen, the defrosting process can vary.

• Thaw for several hours in the refrigerator
• preferably overnight
• suitable for ready-cooked dishes
• Use frozen potato pieces immediately when cooking
• the heat thaws them out quickly

Freeze sweet potatoes

The meeting of sweet potatoes and frost is much more pleasant. 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 can be added directly from the freezer to the cooking food. Whole sweet potatoes can be baked in the oven.

durability

Frozen potato pieces can stay in the freezer for up to 12 months. Cooked and frozen foods with potatoes should be consumed within 3 months.

Conclusion for quick 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; The 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 are allowed in the chest
• Freezing: Freshly cooked, completely cold; in suitable portion sizes
• Thawing: Ready meals in the refrigerator for several hours; Process potato pieces in the frozen state
• Sweet potatoes: tolerate frost well; freeze cooked; whole or cut into pieces
• Shelf life: cooked potato pieces 12 months; finished meals 3 months