How do I freeze fresh potatoes?

Fresh potatoes can be frozen; however, you need to take a few extra steps to ensure their quality will hold up in the freezing process.  First, cook/blanch the potatoes. Blanching means to par-cook and rapidly cool an ingredient.

• To prepare and freeze your potatoes cut them into whatever shape you plan to use them in. As you cut them into their desired shape, place the potatoes directly into cold water with a tablespoon of lemon juice or distilled vinegar. Don’t worry; this won’t impact the taste of your potatoes; it will just prevent them from oxidizing (turning brown).
• While the potatoes are cut and soaking in the water, get ready to cook the potatoes. For cut or grated potatoes, cook the potatoes until they are partially cooked, not raw but not cooked all the way. This will ensure that you’re able to cook the potatoes to the correct doneness when you go to prepare them out of the freezer. You will want to either boil or steam your potatoes.
• Once the potatoes are partially cooked, cool them rapidly to stop the cooking. To do this, drain the potatoes if they were boiled and spread them on a baking sheet lightly sprayed with non-stick spray.
• Arrange the potatoes in an even layer and place them in a cool spot in your kitchen or even in the refrigerator until they are cool enough to handle.
• Once the potatoes are blanched and cool, now place them in the freezer.
• Potatoes can be seasoned at this stage, so they are ready to heat right out of the freezer. To season the spud, lightly spray them with canola or vegetable oil. These oils are recommended since they can take the highest heat. Once the potatoes have been sprayed with oil, choose your favorite seasoning. Lightly sprinkle the seasoning on the potatoes, gently turn them over with a spatula, and season the other side. Place the baking sheet of seasoned potatoes into the freezer and allow to freeze overnight.
• Once the potatoes are frozen, they can be bagged in resealable freezer bags and stored for 10-12 months. Although they are best when used within six months.