Freezing potatoes?

[kathy003]

My local grocery store has 10 lbs. of Idaho potatoes for $1.99, last time they had this sale I didn't stock up on potatoes and really regretted it.

 

My question is, i use real potatoes for frech fries. I was wondering if I could cut them up for french fries and seal a meal them and put them in the freezer for later use?

I cut them up like steak fries.

 

If i can't freeze them, can I can them like this? My Ball Blue Book says to put the potatoes in cubes, which would make for some small french fries.

 

Thanks for any advice.

[Violet]

Here you go : I hear they are really good, too.

 

The best potatoes for freezing are those that have been

cooked, such as mashed potato patties, baked stuffed

potatoes, or french fries.

 

Raw potatoes or potatoes in combination dishes such as

soups and stews do not freeze well. Upon thawing and

reheating, they tend to disintegrate, especially if the

potatoes are whole or cut in large cubes. If you are

preparing a combination dish for freezing, omit the potatoes

and add them instead during the thawing/reheating step

before serving.

 

To freeze baked stuffed potatoes or mashed potato patties:

 

Prepare them according to your favorite recipe, cool

quickly in the refrigerator, and wrap in moisture-vapor-

proof packaging. Seal, label, date and freeze.

Recommended maximum storage time is one month at 0 degrees

Fahrenheit.

 

To serve, unwrap and reheat in oven at 350 degrees

Fahrenheit.

 

To freeze homemade french fries:

 

1. Pare and cut potatoes lengthwise into strips about

1/4 inch thick.

2. Rinse quickly in cold water and dry well on paper

towels.

3. Oven method: arrange potato strips in shallow

baking pan, brush with melted butter or

margarine and bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit

just until they begin to brown, turning

occasionally.

Cool quickly in refrigerator.

4. Oil method: Blanch potato strips in vegetable

oil heated to 370 degrees Fahrenheit until tender

but not brown.

Drain and cool quickly in refrigerator.

5. Place prepared strips in moisture-vapor-proof

containers or bags. Seal, label, date and freeze.

Recommended maximum storage time is two months at 0

degrees Fahrenheit.

 

To serve, return frozen potatoes to baking sheet and

bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown, turning

occasionally. Or deep-fat fry frozen potatoes at 390

degrees Fahrenheit until golden and crisp.

 

[kathy003]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question, especially since you are getting ready for your company tomorrow night.

 

Looks like I"m off to the store to get potatoes!

[Violet]

You are welcome. Glad it helped.