How Long Can You Keep Hash Browns In The Fridge?

How long can you keep hash browns in the fridge?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long can you keep hash browns in the fridge?”, discuss answers to other related questions like how to store the hash browns to increase their shelf life, and what can happen if you eat bad hash browns.

How long can you keep hash browns in the fridge?

Hash browns can last for 3 – 5 days in the fridge. During this time period, they are considered safe to consume and do not go bad. Be sure to look for any signs of spoilage before consuming them. They may even be safe after the 5th day, but their quality declines noticeably.

Also, keep in mind that if there was a continuous power loss for more than 6 hours, the refrigerated hash browns will be contaminated by certain bacteria, and soon they will be no longer good to be used. This is because the temperature range between 40 Fahrenheit and 140 Fahrenheit is good enough to encourage bacteria to grow rapidly. Therefore it will be better for you to use the refrigerated hash browns within 3-5 days.

Can you freeze has browns?

The freezing temperature of about 0 Fahrenheit is very good to keep microbial growth to a minimum. Therefore freezing always helps in keeping food good to be used over a long time. In the case of hash browns, if you freeze them at a constant temperature of 0 Fahrenheit, they will maintain their quality for 12 months or more as long as they have been stored properly and the package is not damaged.

How to store the hash browns to increase their shelf life?

The shelf life of the foods is greatly affected by the storage conditions. For hash browns, if you are willing to consume them within a week, then you can keep them in the fridge. Try to keep the package of the hash browns on the shelf of the fridge to ensure that there is no variability in the temperature. Try to avoid keeping the package of hash browns in the door of the fridge. Also, the package should be tight enough to keep a limit on the moisture content.

If you want to keep the hash browns for months, freezing them will be the best idea. To freeze potatoes for hash browns, shred potatoes in a bowl of cold water. Once shredded, drain and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain, rinse in cold water, drain again and then pat dry. Now, pack them in freezer containers or resealable bags. Store them in the freezer for 1 year.

How to fix grey and gummy hash browns?

Potatoes, the storehouse of starch, turn grey and gummy in just a few minutes. This is because when potatoes are cut, especially into smaller flakes like hash browns, a lot of starch begins to oxidize, and the potatoes turn grey. Also, the oxidization of starch by mixing with the moisture of the potatoes results in the conversion of starch into sugar, and the potatoes turn gummy. To fix such issues, you need to go to:

Grate potatoes directly into cold water

Grating potatoes directly into cold water should be a rule of thumb whenever you prepare hash browns. Once grated, let the flakes sit in the cold water for atleast 15 minutes or overnight to have the best results. The water will help you exclude all the excess starch from the potatoes and will prevent potatoes from turning grey.

After the soaking is done, strain the potato flakes and rinse them thoroughly to remove any extra starch if present. Pat dry the potatoes to ensure that the moisture is removed as much as possible. This water was to create steam, as a result of which, your hash browns can be gummy. So, as water has been removed, hash browns will not be as gummy as they were to be.

Use pre-cooked potatoes

If you want to cook hash browns quickly, try to use pre-cooked potatoes. Already boiled potatoes don’t have issues with starch. All you need to do is just boil them, grate them, and then fry them in a preheated pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure to keep the layer of potatoes thin and don’t cook them as long. They will brown and crisp up so quickly and easily.

Check the best way to cook frozen hash brown patties.

What can happen if you eat bad hash browns?

Cooked potatoes, like hash browns, carry a high risk of food poisoning. They may begin to harbor pathogens and bacteria after a few days and the consumption of such foods could result in illnesses such as Salmonella, listeria, botulism, and staphylococcal food poisoning. Such illnesses have general symptoms of fever, stomach cramps, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, these symptoms could result in dehydration and require hospitalization.

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long can you keep hash browns in the fridge?”, discussed answers to other related questions like how to store the hash browns to increase their shelf life, and what can happen if you eat bad hash browns.