Potatoes are a versatile and popular vegetable that are enjoyed around the world. When cooking with potatoes, it’s not uncommon to use only half of one and save the other half for later use. But can you actually preserve an unused half of a potato and if so, what’s the best way to store it?
Can you refrigerate half a potato?
Yes, you can refrigerate an unused half of a potato. Simply place the cut side down on a plate and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag. Refrigeration will slow down the oxidation process and prevent the potato from turning brown quickly. Refrigerated properly, half a potato should last 3-5 days.
What happens if you don’t refrigerate half a potato?
If the unused half is left on the counter, it will begin to oxidize and turn brown very quickly as the enzymes in the potato react with the air. Oxidation affects both the color and flavor of the potato. An unrefrigerated half a potato will likely be unusable after just a couple hours due to unpleasant brown discoloration and off flavors.
Can you freeze half a potato?
Freezing is another excellent way to extend the shelf life of an unused half potato. To freeze, place the cut side down on a baking sheet and put in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen properly, half a potato can be kept frozen for up to 1 year.
To use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. The thawed potato half can be used in most recipes calling for fresh potatoes. Keep in mind freezing will slightly alter the texture, making thawed potato halves better suited for cooking in soups, stews and other dishes rather than eating raw.
Choosing the Best Preservation Method
When deciding how to best preserve an unused half potato, consider how soon you plan to use it.
If using within 1-3 days:
Refrigeration is the best method for short-term storage. Place the cut side down in the fridge in a covered container or plastic wrap. Refrigeration will buy you an extra 3-5 days before the unused half goes bad.
If using within 2 weeks:
For medium-term storage keep in the refrigerator as recommended above for up to 5 days maximum, then transfer to the freezer. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before using. With this combo method you can preserve an unused half potato for up to 2 weeks.
Long-term storage:
For long-term storage, freeze immediately for best quality and freshness. Frozen properly wrapped in an airtight container or bag, the unused potato half can be frozen for up to 1 year.
Proper Handling for Food Safety
When preserving any unused food, proper handling is important to prevent bacterial growth and foodborne illness:
- Wash hands and prep surfaces before handling food
- Use clean, sanitized cutting boards and utensils
- Cut away any bruised or damaged areas on the potato before preserving
- Package in an airtight container, bag or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of preparing
- Label frozen foods with date and contents
- Store refrigerated potatoes in the back, not the door
- Freeze at 0°F or below
- Thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator, not at room temp
- Use refrigerated halves within 3-5 days
- Use frozen halves within 1 year for best quality
Following proper food safety practices will help maintain top quality and reduce food waste.
What to Do with Leftover Cooked Potato
In addition to preserving unused fresh potato halves, cooked potato leftovers can also be saved. Here are some tips:
Refrigerate cooked potatoes:
Leftover fully cooked mashed, baked, roasted or fried potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
Freeze cooked potatoes:
For longer term storage, cooked potatoes can be frozen for 2-3 months. Portion into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using in soups, stews, potato salad or other dishes.
Use in new dishes:
Put leftover cooked potatoes to use in flavorful new ways. Try sliced cold potatoes in salads, diced potatoes in tacos or stir-fries, mashed potatoes mixed into patties or fritters, or roasted wedges crisped up into home fries.
What Potatoes Work Best?
Best potatoes for refrigerating:
All potato varieties can be refrigerated, but waxy potatoes hold up a little better than starchy varieties. Red potatoes, new potatoes, fingerlings or Yukon gold are good options.
Best potatoes for freezing:
Russet or Idaho potatoes are the best choice for freezing. Their higher starch content means they’ll have a fluffier, lighter texture after thawing.
Best potatoes for cooking & reheating:
Starchy russet or Yukon gold potatoes make fluffier mashed potatoes. Waxy red or white potatoes are great for potato salad or recipes where you want the potatoes to hold their shape after cooking.
Preserving Half a Potato – Step by Step
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to properly preserve half of a fresh potato:
- Wash and scrub the potato well under cool running water.
- Cut the potato in half lengthwise or crosswise using a clean knife or kitchen shears.
- If the potato has any green tinges or damaged parts, trim them away before preserving.
- Rinse the cut side of the potato half to remove excess starch.
- Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Place cut side down on a plate or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Or, place cut side down on a baking sheet and put directly in the freezer. Freeze until solid then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label refrigerated halves with the date. Label frozen halves with contents and date.
- Use refrigerated halves within 3-5 days.
- Use frozen halves within 1 year for best quality and freshness.
Following these simple steps will allow you to preserve and store an unused half potato safely while reducing food waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze raw potatoes?
Yes, raw potatoes can be frozen whole or in halves. Cut potatoes cause more oxidation, so whole potatoes keep longer, but halves can be frozen as well. Blanching or cooking potatoes briefly before freezing helps improve texture.
Do you have to blanch potatoes before freezing?
Blanching (briefly boiling then shocking in ice water) is recommended but not required. Blanching stops the enzyme reaction that causes browning and improves texture of thawed frozen potatoes.
Can you freeze mashed potatoes?
Yes, cooked mashed potatoes freeze well for 2-3 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to serve.
Can you refrigerate baked potatoes?
Leftover baked potatoes can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Wrap whole baked potatoes in foil, or place cubed, sliced or mashed portions in a covered container. Reheat gently before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat refrigerated potato halves?
For refrigerated raw halves, boiling, steaming or roasting works well. For cooked refrigerated potatoes, gently reheat on the stove, in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, you can preserve and save an unused half potato for later use. Refrigeration buys you 3-5 extra days before the potato goes bad. For longer term storage, freeze halves immediately and use within 1 year for best quality. Following suggested handling tips, choosing suitable potato varieties and reheating gently will give you great results. Saving that half potato prevents waste and provides you with a head start on future meals!
