How to Freeze Potatoes

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Your potato harvest is huge.  You've filled the root cellar or basement, but you still have more left.  No what?  Is there room in the freezer? Here's how to do it, complete instructions in easy steps and completely illustrated. And it is much easier than you think! 

Directions for Freezing Potatoes

Potatoes

Cool, drain

Seal and freeze.

Ingredients and Equipment

• potatoes (see step 1)
• A sharp, large serrated knife
• A large pot of boiling water
• Freezer bags

Recipe and Directions

Step 1 - Choose and wash your potatoes

Select smooth new potatoes directly from the garden. Peel or scrape and wash.

Step 2 - Blanch the potatoes

Water blanch for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size.

Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time) is a must for almost all vegetables to be frozen. It stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. Blanching cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps retard loss of vitamins. It also wilts or softens vegetables and makes them easier to pack. 

Blanching time is crucial and varies with the vegetable and size. Underblanching stimulates the activity of enzymes and is worse than no blanching. Overblanching causes loss of flavor, color, vitamins and minerals. Use one gallon water per pound of prepared vegetables. Put the vegetable in a blanching basket and lower into vigorously boiling water. Place a lid on the blancher. The water should return to boiling within 1 minute, or you are using too much vegetable for the amount of boiling water. Start counting blanching time as soon as the water returns to a boil. Keep heat high for the time given in the directions for the vegetable you are freezing.

Step 4 - Cool

Let in ice water for 5 to 10 minutes, then drain..

Step 5 - Pack

Pack into containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. You can pack it containers, like Ziploc bags or plastic containers, exclude as much air as you can, and freeze it!

Step 6 - Freeze

Seal and freeze.

... or to start making tasty treats.

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