Potatoes
Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables that can be used in many different ways such as steaming, baking and mashing. There are several varieties that produce different flavours from nutty to buttery. Potatoes can be used to add bulk to soups, as a side dish to a main meal or used in salads. They are also packed with goodness; a good source of fibre and potassium.
How to store
How to store fresh potato
Store your potatoes in the fridge to keep them fresher for longer. WRAP’s research has found that potatoes stored in the fridge can last more than three times as long compared with storage at room-temperature, such as in a cupboard.
Freezing potatoes
Leftover cooked potatoes (including mash) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Raw potatoes don't freeze well.
Storing cooked potatoes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Potatoes top tips
How to freeze and defrost
How to freeze: Cool cooked potatoes before freezing and then place in an airtight bag or container. Raw potatoes don’t freeze well so they should be partially or fully cooked before freezing. Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to defrost: When you take food/ drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking/ reheating. Roast boiled potatoes straight from the freezer - pop them in the oven with a little oil to crisp up.
Eating the whole food
There is no need to peel potatoes - just give them a good scrub.
Make smooth mash with the skins on - Cut whole, clean potatoes into small cubes and boil for 15 minutes – mash them up with some butter and milk and you will never notice the skins, but will get all the nutritional benefits. If you do need to peel, use a peeler rather than a knife as this will cut down on waste. Use peelings to make homemade crisps Add salt and pepper, plus whatever extra seasoning you like, then bake in a hot oven.
Be fabulous with leftovers
Leftover cooked potatoes
Mash and combine with fish and herbs to make fishcakes or cube and mix with mayo for potato salad. Leftover baked/ jacket potatoes? Slice into wedges, shake on some spices and oven bake or scoop out the insides, mix with bacon and cheese or sour cream/ dip and herbs, restuff and oven bake. So many options!
Buying tips
Think about buying potatoes loose to help you buy only what you need. This will ensure that all your food is more likely to be eaten and saved from the bin.
Think about swapping fresh potatoes for frozen. You can get frozen roast potatoes, mash, jackets, croquettes, hash browns, rosties … Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option. Potatoes are also available tinned and dried.
Perfect portions
Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.
Valuing your Potatoes beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- Good source of vitamin C which helps to keep your skin healthy.
- Potatoes are a good source of fibre which helps with digestion.
- They also contain potassium, a mineral that helps control the balance of fluids in the body, and also helps the heart muscle work properly.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Potatoes
This dish is ideal for weekday suppers as it only takes ten minutes to prepare and uses just one dish for cooking. Use your favourite variety of sausages and swap parsnips for potatoes for an equally tasty result.
A delicious, quick and easy recipe for sea bass which is good for using up leftover single cream and lemon.
