How to Preserve Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preserving potatoes is a practical and delicious way to ensure you always have this versatile vegetable on hand. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to preserve 3 kg of potatoes using simple ingredients and techniques. Follow these instructions carefully to enjoy your preserved potatoes for up to a year.

Ingredients and Supplies
Before you start, gather the following ingredients and supplies:

Potatoes: 3 kg
Water
Hot pepper: 2 pcs
Garlic: 1 head
Black pepper: 1.5 tsp
Paprika: 1.5 tsp
Clean, dry glass jars: 700 ml each
Sugar: 1 tsp for each jar
Coarse salt: 1 tsp for each jar
Vinegar (4%): 40 ml for each jar
Vegetable oil: 40-50 ml for each jar
Piece of fabric or towel
Preparation
Clean the Potatoes: Rinse the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt.

Prepare the Jars: Ensure your glass jars are clean and dry. Place a piece of fabric or a towel at the bottom of the pot to prevent the glass from bursting later.

Adding Ingredients to Jars
Add Spices and Seasonings:

Place 1 tsp of sugar and 1 tsp of coarse salt in each jar.
Add 40 ml of vinegar and 40-50 ml of vegetable oil to each jar.
Add Potatoes and Other Ingredients:

Peel and chop the garlic and hot peppers. Distribute them evenly among the jars.
Add 1.5 tsp of black pepper and 1.5 tsp of paprika to each jar.
Fill the jars with potatoes, ensuring they are packed tightly.

Sterilization Process
Fill with Water: Pour cold water into the jars, covering the potatoes completely.

Sterilize the Jars:

Place the jars in a large pan, ensuring they are not touching each other.
Fill the pan with cold water, covering the jars by at least an inch.
Place the pan on the stove and bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
Sterilize the jars for 25 minutes.

Sealing and Storage
Seal the Jars: After sterilization, carefully remove the jars from the water and close the lids tightly. Make sure the lids are sealed properly to prevent air from getting in.

Cool Down and Storage:

Allow the jars to cool down to room temperature.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place. Proper storage conditions are essential to prevent spoilage. A cool basement or pantry is ideal.
Important Tips
Ensure Proper Sealing: The lids must be tightly closed. If air gets in, the preserved potatoes can spoil.
Storage Conditions: Store the jars in a cool place, ideally in a basement or a ground-level storage area.

Conclusion
By following these steps, you can preserve potatoes for up to a year, ensuring you always have a supply of this versatile vegetable on hand. Remember to follow the instructions carefully and store the jars in a cool place to maintain their quality.