Do you love sweet potatoes, but don’t have time to cook them? Or maybe you cooked too many and don’t know what to do with the leftovers. Freezing raw sweet potatoes is a great way to save them for later. In this blog post, we will show you six different ways to freeze them!
What are sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are root vegetables that come in many different colors, including white, yellow, orange, and purple. They are often confused with yams, but they are actually two different vegetables. Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America and have been grown there for thousands of years.
They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, and from there they spread to Africa and Asia. Sweet potatoes are now grown all over the world.
Benefits of sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but they are also packed with nutrients. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and iron. Sweet potatoes have many health benefits, including:
- helping to regulate blood sugar levels
- improving digestion
- boosting immunity
- reducing inflammation
- aiding in weight loss
Why should you freeze raw sweet potatoes?
There are many reasons to freeze raw sweet potatoes. First of all, it is a great way to preserve them for later. If you have a surplus of sweet potatoes, freezing them is a great way to make them last longer.
Another reason to freeze sweet potatoes is that it makes them easier to cook later. When you freeze raw sweet potatoes, you can slice or dice them before freezing. This way, when you are ready to use them, they will thaw quickly and be ready to cook.
Lastly, freezing raw sweet potatoes is a great way to get the most out of their nutrients. Freezing preserves the nutrients in food, so freezing sweet potatoes will help you retain all of their health benefits.
Different ways of freezing raw sweet potatoes
There are many different ways to freeze raw sweet potatoes. Here are six of the best methods:
1. Sliced sweet potatoes
One of the easiest ways to freeze sweet potatoes is to slice them into thin slices. You can do this with a knife or a mandoline slicer. Once they are sliced, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2-3 hours.
Once they are frozen, you can transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and type of sweet potatoes, and then store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
2. Diced sweet potatoes
Another easy way to freeze sweet potatoes is to dice them into small cubes. You can do this with a knife or a food processor. Once they are diced, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 2-3 hours.
Once they are frozen, you can transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. After you label the bag with the date and type of sweet potatoes, store them in the freezer for a maximum of 6 months.
3. Mashed sweet potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a great way to freeze them for later. To make mashed potatoes, cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft. You can do this by boiling, steaming, or baking them.
Once they are cooked, mash them with a fork or a potato masher. You can also add in other ingredients like butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Once they are mashed, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
4. Sweet potato puree
Sweet potato puree is another great way to freeze sweet potatoes. To make sweet potato puree, cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft. You can do this by boiling, steaming, or baking them.
Once they are cooked, place them in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. You can also add in other ingredients like butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Once they are pureed, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
5. Roasted sweet potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are a great way to freeze them for later. To make roasted sweet potatoes, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked through.
Once they are roasted, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
6. Sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries are another great way to freeze sweet potatoes. To make sweet potato fries, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once they are roasted, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and type of sweet potatoes, and then store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
The Best Way to Freeze Baked Sweet Potatoes
In freezing baked sweet potatoes, it’s best to use the whole potato. This will help keep them from drying out in the freezing process.
To freeze baked sweet potatoes, first, bake them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they are soft. Once they are cooked, allow them to cool completely.
Once they are cooled, wrap each sweet potato individually in foil. Place the wrapped sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container. After you label the bag with the current date and type of sweet potatoes, put it in the freezer where they will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Fresh sweet potatoes vs. frozen sweet potatoes
The biggest difference between fresh and frozen sweet potatoes is the texture. Fresh sweet potatoes are softer and more delicate, while frozen sweet potatoes are more firm and have a slightly chewier texture.
Another difference between fresh and frozen sweet potatoes is the shelf life. Fresh sweet potatoes will last for about 2-3 weeks in the fridge, while frozen sweet potatoes will last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
So, if you are looking for a longer shelf life, freezing is the way to go. However, if you are looking for the best taste and texture, fresh sweet potatoes are the way to go.
How to thaw frozen sweet potatoes?
When you are ready to use frozen sweet potatoes, there are a few different ways to thaw them.
The best way to thaw them is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. This will help to preserve the quality of the sweet potatoes.
Another way to thaw them is to place them in a bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until they are thawed.
Once they are thawed, you can cook them however you like. You can roast them, mash them, or even fry them.
Recipes for frozen sweet potatoes
There are so many different recipes that you can make with frozen sweet potatoes. Here are a few of our favorites:
Roasted sweet potato wedges:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Mashed sweet potatoes:
Cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft. You can do this by boiling, steaming, or baking them. Once they are cooked, mash them with a fork or a potato masher. You can also add in other ingredients like butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
Sweet potato soup:
Cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft. You can do this by boiling, steaming, or baking them. Once they are cooked, place them in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add in other ingredients like chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Sweet potato fries:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts
Freezing raw sweet potatoes is a great way to extend their shelf life. Frozen sweet potatoes will last for up to 6 months in the freezer and can be used in many different recipes. When you are ready to use them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a bowl of cold water. Once they are thawed, you can cook them however you like. Enjoy!
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