Shelf-Stable Spuds: The Ultimate Guide to Canning Potatoes

Learn how to safely can white potatoes at home, with step-by-step instructions, safety tips, and answers to common questions.

⚠️ Safety First: Our Content Philosophy

Our goal is to provide the clearest, most helpful canning guides possible. To do this:

  • Our Data is Official: All critical data points (processing times, pressures, measurements) are sourced directly from tested USDA and NCHFP guidelines.
  • Our Steps are for Guidance: The explanatory text and step-by-step instructions are our original work, designed to make the process easier to understand.

This guide must be used in conjunction with a complete, tested recipe. It is a supplementary resource, not a standalone recipe.

Why Precooking is Essential

Potatoes are high-starch, low-acid vegetables and should not be raw packed. Precooking removes excess starch, prevents cloudy canning liquid, and ensures even heat penetration for safety.

⚠️ Safety First: Our Content Philosophy

Our goal is to provide the clearest, most helpful canning guides possible. To do this:

  • Our Data is Official: All critical data points (processing times, pressures, measurements) are sourced directly from tested USDA and NCHFP guidelines.
  • Our Steps are for Guidance: The explanatory text and step-by-step instructions are our original work, designed to make the process easier to understand.

This guide must be used in conjunction with a complete, tested recipe. It is a supplementary resource, not a standalone recipe.

Step-by-Step: Hot Pack Method for White Potatoes

  1. Prepare: Wash and heat jars. Prepare your pressure canner according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Process Potatoes: Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes or use small whole potatoes (1-2 inches).
  3. Precook: Boil potato pieces for 2 minutes, whole small potatoes for 10 minutes.
  4. Hot Pack: Drain and pack hot potatoes into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon salt per quart jar.
  5. Add Liquid: Cover potatoes with fresh boiling water, maintaining 1-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, and apply lids.
  6. Pressure Process: Process jars in a pressure canner according to your altitude and canner type. Vent steam for 10 minutes before applying pressure and starting the timer.
  • Yield: About 12 pounds of potatoes makes 7 quarts.
  • Equipment: Pressure canner, 7 quart jars, lids, rings, optional canning salt.

Calculate Safe Pressure and Time

Use the calculator below to determine the correct pressure and processing time for your altitude and equipment:

Safety Calculator


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do canned potatoes turn gray or black?

This is usually due to minerals in the water or the potato variety. If the jars are well-sealed, it is generally harmless. Adding ascorbic acid before precooking can help reduce discoloration.

The liquid in my jars is cloudy. Is it safe?

A small amount of cloudiness is normal. If the liquid is very thick and the potatoes are mushy, it may be due to insufficient precooking or overfilling. If there is an off smell or bulging lids, do not consume.

Can I use red potatoes with skins?

The USDA recommends using peeled white potatoes. Skins can increase safety risks, so peeling is advised.


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⚠️ Safety First: Our Content Philosophy

Our goal is to provide the clearest, most helpful canning guides possible. To do this:

  • Our Data is Official: All critical data points (processing times, pressures, measurements) are sourced directly from tested USDA and NCHFP guidelines.
  • Our Steps are for Guidance: The explanatory text and step-by-step instructions are our original work, designed to make the process easier to understand.

This guide must be used in conjunction with a complete, tested recipe. It is a supplementary resource, not a standalone recipe.