How To Freeze Small New Potatoes: A Simple Guide

If you’re someone who enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients, then you might have encountered small new potatoes. These potatoes are flavorful and versatile, making them a great addition to many dishes. However, if you’re not using them right away, you might be wondering how to freeze them. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of freezing small new potatoes so that you can enjoy them at a later time!

How To Freeze Small New Potatoes

Freezing small new potatoes is a great way to preserve the harvest and enjoy delicious potatoes throughout the year. Here are some tips for freezing small new potatoes:

1. Choose the right potatoes: Select small, firm, and unblemished new potatoes. Avoid large or soft potatoes, as they are more prone to damage during freezing.

2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris. Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces, if desired.

3. Blanch the potatoes: Blanching is the process of cooking the potatoes briefly in boiling water and then cooling them in ice water. This helps to preserve the color, texture, and flavor of the potatoes. To blanch the potatoes, place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, drain the potatoes and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.

4. Cool the potatoes: Allow the blanched potatoes to cool completely before freezing. You can spread them out on a sheet pan or place them in the fridge to cool.

5. Freeze the potatoes: Place the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a sheet pan or in freezer-safe containers. Label the containers with the date and contents. Place the pan or containers in the freezer.

6. Thaw the potatoes: To thaw the potatoes, remove them from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the microwave or in cold water.

7. Cook the potatoes: Once the potatoes are thawed, you can cook them in a variety of ways, such as boiling, roasting, or steaming.

By following these steps, you can freeze small new potatoes to enjoy them throughout the year.

What Is The Best Way To Freeze Small New Potatoes?

• 1. Choose the freshest small new potatoes you can find.
• 2. Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
• 3. Blanch the potatoes by immersing them in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then immediately transferring them to a bowl of ice water.
• 4. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool to room temperature.
• 5. Spread out the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• 6. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and allow the potatoes to freeze completely.
• 7. Transfer the frozen potatoes to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
• 8. When ready to use, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.

How Long Will Small New Potatoes Last In The Freezer?

New potatoes can last in the freezer for up to 12 months. However, their quality may start to decline after about 6 months. To freeze new potatoes, first wash them thoroughly and remove any blemishes. Then, blanch the potatoes by boiling them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature. Once they are cool, spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Once the potatoes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and store the potatoes in the freezer.

When you are ready to use the potatoes, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator. Once they are thawed, you can cook them in a variety of ways, such as boiling, roasting, or steaming.

It is important to note that the quality of the potatoes may decrease if they are frozen for too long or if they are not properly stored. To ensure that the potatoes stay fresh, it is important to use them within the recommended time frame and to store them properly in the freezer.

What Is The Best Way To Thaw Frozen Small New Potatoes?

Small new potatoes are delicious, but they can be a challenge to prepare if they are frozen. Here are some tips for thawing frozen small new potatoes:

1. Place the frozen small new potatoes in the refrigerator: This is the safest way to thaw frozen small new potatoes. Simply transfer the frozen potatoes from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly overnight.

2. Use the microwave: If you need to thaw small new potatoes quickly, you can use the microwave. Place the frozen potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave them on high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. Cook them directly from the freezer: If you are in a hurry and don’t have time to thaw the small new potatoes, you can cook them directly from the freezer. Place the frozen potatoes in a pan and add enough cold water to cover them completely. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender.

Once the small new potatoes are thawed, you can use them in a variety of dishes. They are great in salads, soups, stews, and as a side dish. You can also roast them in the oven or grill them for a crispy, delicious treat.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Frozen Small New Potatoes?

The best way to cook frozen small new potatoes is by steaming them. Steaming is a cooking method where food is cooked in steam, which retains more of the nutrients in the potatoes. Here’s how to steam frozen small new potatoes:

1. Thaw the potatoes: Take the frozen potatoes out of the freezer and place them in a colander or strainer. Run cold water over them until they are thawed.

2. Prepare the steamer: Fill a steamer pot or wok with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the potatoes: Once the water in the steamer is boiling, add the thawed potatoes to the pot. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.

4. Cook the potatoes: Cover the pot with a lid and steam the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Serve the potatoes: Remove the potatoes from the steamer and serve hot. You can season them with herbs, spices, or a small amount of butter or oil for added flavor.

Steaming is a healthy and convenient way to cook frozen small new potatoes. It retains more of the nutrients in the potatoes, such as vitamin C and fiber, compared to boiling or microwaving. Plus, it’s quick and easy to do, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

What Is The Best Way To Store Frozen Small New Potatoes?

The best way to store frozen small new potatoes is by first washing them thoroughly in cold water. Once they are clean, blanch the potatoes in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely.

Once the potatoes are cool, spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. This should take about 2-3 hours.

Once the potatoes are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

To cook the frozen potatoes, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or in cold water. Then, add them to a pot of boiling water and cook them until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain them and serve as desired.

Alternatively, you can also freeze the potatoes after they have been cooked. Simply let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply thaw the potatoes overnight in the refrigerator or in cold water, then heat them in the microwave or oven until they are warm.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, freezing small new potatoes is a simple and convenient way to preserve their flavor and texture for later use. By following these easy steps, you can enjoy the taste of fresh potatoes any time of year. So, next time you find yourself with a surplus of small new potatoes, don’t throw them away – freeze them instead!