There are several ways to preserve shredded potatoes. Lowering the ph of the water or adding lemon juice or vinegar can delay oxidation. However, be careful not to add too much vinegar, as this can change the taste of the potatoes. Moreover, the longer the shredded potatoes remain submerged in water, the greater the risk of starch leakage and potato damage. This is a fine line to walk.
Homemade shredded potatoes taste much better than their store-bought counterparts, whether used for hash browns or another dish. They don’t have to be wasted, so don’t worry. But what should you do if you prepare them too thoroughly and have some leftovers? Find out how to store and use your shredded potatoes effectively in the following paragraphs.
What is a Potato?
The potato is a starchy edible tuber that originated in South America and is now cultivated worldwide. Although just a small percentage of the over 1,000 varieties of tubers, which have been domesticated for over 10,000 years, are grown economically. They have contributed significantly to the histories and cultures of numerous South American countries since their introduction to Europe in the 1600s and have been adopted into European cuisine.
The domesticated wild potatoes appeared around 8,000 BCE. Native Americans produced a wide variety of cultivars, and the tuber soon took the place of corn as the staple food. The first potatoes were discovered by European explorers in South America, who then brought samples of the crop back to Europe. It was first difficult to add the plants to the garden because they, along with eggplants and tomatoes, belong to the nightshade family. European farmers initially questioned the safety of this meal because nightshade plants might be toxic in some regions. However, after it was cultivated in test fields with success, it was a welcome addition to the European diet.
How to Store Shredded Potatoes
Freezing potatoes after shredding them is the best way to store them. Shredded potatoes are kept in the refrigerator for only one day before turning brown and falling apart. The oxidation is stopped as a result, and the frozen, shredded potatoes can be kept for up to a year.
Freezing potatoes after shredding them is the ideal way to store them. This will block the development of germs and the oxidation process. Consequently, the potatoes you shred will be just as crisp and white as the ones you first grated! Shredded potatoes can be kept in the fridge for no more than a day if you don’t want to freeze and then defrost them.
What Causes the Greying of Shredded Potato?
Whether your potatoes are turning grey before cooking or after depends on when they started.
Grating raw potatoes release starch, which increases their risk of oxidation and darkening. The easiest method to avoid it is to completely submerge the potatoes in cold water, then thoroughly drain them before patting them dry before cooking.
Jewish cooks who make latkes yearly have told me a tip that reduces the potatoes’ tendency to become dark: shred the potatoes and onions simultaneously. But how you feel about onion in your shredded potato meal would be up to you.
The potatoes that turn dark after cooking are the most annoying. This reaction can be brought on by several factors, such as how the potatoes were cultivated or an adverse reaction to aluminum cookware. Not all potatoes experience it, and it might not be easy to predict.
Should Sweet Potatoes or Shredded Potatoes Be Freeze-Dried?
So you already know that freezing potatoes after they have been shredded is preferable. Should you, however, actually do it?
If you want your shredded potatoes or sweet potatoes to keep their flavor and texture, freeze them first. The development and oxidation of bacteria are entirely stopped by freezing. This means that your shredded potatoes will maintain their color, flavor, and structure for up to a year while being entirely safe to consume.
The best choice is to freeze the potato shreds, even if you plan to use them within the next day or two. There is no disadvantage to freezing them because thawing is so simple.
At Room Temperature, How Long Do Shredded Potatoes Last?
The oxidation process begins as soon as air touches the potato’s exposed flesh, which causes the potato to turn brown or grey swiftly. At room temperature, potatoes will only keep for around two hours. Throw away any potato shredded left out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
You will be battling against bacteria growth, which happens quickly with all prepared foods.
What can Different Kinds of Potatoes be Purchased?
The International Potato Center in Peru has preserved approximately 5,000 varieties, demonstrating the incredible variety of potatoes. However, in general, your local supermarket is likely to provide a few basic kinds, each appropriate for a range of preparations:
Floury: Floury types, like russets and Idahos, are ideal for a conventional baked potato or a smooth, creamy mash because they cook up light, fluffy, and somewhat crumbly. These potatoes are also great for fried foods like crispy outside and creamy interior french Because of their starchiness, these and potato pancakes because of their starchiness. These varieties are relatively low in moisture and heavy in starch.
Waxy: Waxy potatoes often have skin that is often thinner and glossier than their floury counterparts, as well as meat that is thicker, moister, and lower in starch. Numerous smaller, cuter varieties, Red Bliss, young potatoes, fingerlings, and others, are included in this category. These cook up nicely and keep their shape well, making them perfect for meals like potato salad, gratin, roast potatoes, and classic boiled and buttery potatoes, where that is vital.
Said Canadian Gold. All-Purpose Similar to this legendary kind, other floury-waxy hybrids have also been created to fall somewhere in the middle. They are the ideal potato: not too crumbly, not too dense, and versatile enough to work in almost any recipe. Cut them off. Combine them. Make them. They were stir-fried. These potatoes are tough as nails.
Reference: Study on nutritional quality and volatile aroma compounds of the stir-fried shredded potatoes
How to Spot a Bad Potato in Shredded Form?
There are a few signs that your shredded potatoes have gone rotten, just like other vegetables. Dark stains alone may not render your shredded potatoes unfit for consumption, but they certainly alter their appearance and flavor.
Pay attention to:
Proliferation of mold
A foul or musty odor
How mushy the shredded potatoes are
Always discard your potatoes after shredding them if you observe any of these issues or if they have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
What are Different Methods of Shredding a Potato?
Using Grater
If desired, peel the potato(es). Before shredding your potatoes, you don’t need to peel them; some people even love the texture the skins add. Use a peeler or a paring knife to remove the potato’s outermost layer of skin if you want it skinless (es). Over a spotless dish or countertop, grate the potatoes. Over a spotless plate or countertop, spread your grater out. Most graters come with two sides, one for generating large shreds and the other for making thinner ones. Pick your chosen side, then grab a potato at one end and slide it from the top down while pressing it into the grater.
If required, take off the potato flakes when shredding a considerable quantity. Many graters have an upside-down V form to them. This V will form as you grate potatoes, with the shredded parts falling in the center, which can lead to obstructions. To avoid these obstructions, remove shreds as needed.
When you are nearly at the potato’s end, take caution. When grating, it’s simple to skin your knuckles, especially if you’re distracted.
Utilizing a Food Processor to Grate Potatoes
Put your food processor together. Various manufacturers might have distinctive characteristics; however, you must first fasten the plastic bowl to the processor’s base for most types. Then, in the center of the bowl, place the grater blade on the middle portion (blade shaft).
Always disconnect your processor before assembling, dismantling, or installing a new blade or accessory.
Feed the basin with potatoes. Before adding the potatoes, you might need to cut them in half depending on the size of your processing bowl. A fill line indicates the maximum number of ingredients that should be added to the bowl on most processors.
In a food processor, shred the potatoes. Place the food processor’s bowl’s lid on top firmly. Then, keep pressing the “pulse” button until the potatoes seem grated. One benefit of utilizing a food processor is that it should speed up this process.
Utilizing a Mandoline to Shred
Get your mandoline ready. Before slicing potatoes, thoroughly clean the area below the mandoline to prevent food from falling. If your mandoline has foldable legs, expand them before setting it down on a tabletop or cutting board.
Furthermore, durability is crucial when using a mandoline. Kitchen accidents are more likely to occur when a mandoline is shaky.
The julienne blade in. The process for installing a new blade will vary depending on the model. If carried out improperly, this procedure might be harmful. When inserting the julienne blade, carefully follow the mandoline’s instructions.
Some mandolines have blades that may be reached directly from the underside, while others might have a hinged portion that opens to reveal the blade.
The standard procedure is to grab the base of the blade and either take it out of it or put it into a slot underneath the mandoline.
One blade may be present on some mandolines. Typically, a plastic attachment on top of the mandoline must be changed to modify the cut (sometimes called a runway attachment).
Moisten the runway. The “runway” refers to the strings that descend to the blade. The potato starch’s stickiness can cause these strings to become tangled. Sprinkle a few drops of water along this section of the mandoline to ensure that the potatoes slide down the runway easily.
Fill the hand guard with the potato. Use a knife to cut the potato(es) in half. Insert the potato’s uncut end into the hand guard. To shred the potato, place the flat, sliced end at the top of the runway and slide it down the mandoline. Continue doing this until you have completely shredded all of your potatoes.
Mandoline blades are extremely sharp. They can easily remove the skin from knuckles or cut off fingertips. Always use hand protection when handling a mandoline, unless you’re a professional.
Conclusion
Shredded potatoes are not very stable at room temperature. In a day, they will lose their shape and color. They will also develop a musty smell and might even have mold. Refrigerating them will slow down the oxidation process but will not stop it. They should be discarded after that time.
The first step to storing shredded potatoes is to wash them thoroughly. This will prevent browning. Use a colander to rinse them before placing them in a bowl of cool water. After that, you should drain them and pat them dry. You can also soak them for at least one hour. However, keep them refrigerated if you plan to keep them for longer.
