[bailey]

Hi all,

it seems i may have a glut of early and second early potatoes, I was speaking with my dad who said that my grandad used to part boil them and put them in salted water in jars but kept them in a dark area (sealed box),  as anyone else heard of this? and do you think it will work?

[Springlands]

Have never heard of this. Think you would be better turning them into mash and then freezing.

[New shoot]

I've never heard of this either but in theory you can bottle just about any fruit or veg, but as well as preserving in brine (salted water) I think you would need to sterilise the jars by heating them in a pan of water after sealing.

[DD.]

I assume we are talking of the smaller "new" potatoes which would not be suitable for mash.

Apart from the salt, I can't see this process being so very much different to canned new pots from the supermarket, except the initial product is obviously more superior and less cooked!

[mumofstig]

most of the preserving sites say that you need to pressure can them because of the botulism risk. You can only boil jars for acid fruit and tomatoes...but people did a lot of 'risky' preserving during the wars that we wouldn't even think about now

[Ice]

That's an awful faff for a spud.  Cut in half lengthways and then cut into wedges.  Pour over some oil and sprinkle with seasoning.  I like Cajun style.  Mix together and bake in a hot oven for five minutes.  Cool and freeze.

[Springlands]

Sounds good Ice

[Havengore]

I've got to agree with DD and Ice.   If you are going to put them in jars in the dark, you may as well buy supermarket budget spuds in tins.   Freezing wedges is a really good idea and works a treat.   other good options ?  Eat them fresh yourself, or give them to others to enjoy fresh.  save your preserving jars for pickles and chutney ! 

[mumofstig]

cook small potatoes gently until barely cooked and dip in melted butter, leave them to cool and freeeze.
Heat through in the microwave.

But I rarely have spare new potatoes.....I'm too piggy and eat them all fresh

[Trillium]

I must be either lazier than everyone or have less freezer space as I simply keep my spuds in the special cool section of my cellar. 

[Yorkie]

Or you just have a cellar 

[mumofstig]

Or you just have a cellar 

Not many houses have them any more........this old house had a coal cellar but it got filled up when they laid concrete floors