How to keep your boiled potatoes fresh: Storage tips and tricks
Boiled potatoes are a staple of many dishes, but storing them can often be problematic. Learn how to properly store potatoes to keep them fresh and flavourful for longer.
18 October 2024 14:19
Potatoes prepared by boiling, baking, or mashing are integral to many meals served in our homes. However, we must ensure the right storage conditions to maintain their taste and nutritional value. This helps avoid food waste and protects us from potential food poisoning.
How to store cooked potatoes?
The most important step is to cool the potatoes quickly after cooking. Potatoes should not be left to cool completely on the kitchen counter. Moving them to the fridge while they're still warm but not hot is best. It's also essential to store them in airtight containers to prevent odours from other foods from seeping in.
Potatoes cooked in water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Baked potatoes stay fresh for 3 days, although they tend to lose their crispiness. Mashed potatoes will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, provided they are stored in an airtight container. To refresh mashed potatoes, add a little butter or milk before serving.
Raw, peeled potatoes should not be stored for more than 24 hours. To prevent them from spoiling and browning, you can store them in cold water, ideally with a few drops of vinegar. Peeled potatoes can last in the fridge for up to 4 days if wholly submerged in water.
What to do with leftover potatoes from dinner?
If you have leftover boiled potatoes, there’s no need to waste them. You can use them to prepare many delicious dishes. Potatoes can be fried, mashed, added to casseroles, or used to make potato pancakes. It's crucial always to check stored potatoes for freshness.
Always discard potatoes that show signs of spoilage, such as unpleasant odours, greasy texture, softness, spots, or mould.
How to refresh boiled potatoes?
One of the simplest ways to refresh potatoes is to reheat them in a pan. To achieve crispy potatoes, heat a small amount of oil or butter in a pan and add the potatoes. Frying until golden brown will restore their crispiness and enhance their flavour. Avoid using too much fat, as the potatoes may become too greasy and heavy.
An alternative to using a pan is the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Reheat the potatoes for 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crispy. Reheating in the oven allows the potatoes to retain their natural flavour and gives them a perfect texture.
