Instant Potatoes vs. Rice

[Conman2U]

Don't get me wrong, I like rice, but I get burned out on it pretty quickly. Instant potatoes actually seems to fill me up quicker...So my question is, would potatoes be a healthy substitute for rice....And if so, do they store just as long?

[Tyrenz]

I'm not sure if it would hold up as long as rice...

Instant spuds may be just as resilient as rice. Rice is cool because you can add all sorts of stuff and just mix it all up. Makes a pretty good filler if you don't have alot of meat or veggies.

Shepherd pie is essentially the same thing isn't it? I bet you could add all sorts of stuff to mashed potatoes and it would be tasty.

[Buffy]

I stock potatoes in a variety of forms, mostly in #10 cans. They will store for as much as 30 years. I think they are filling and they are nutritious. You can get mashed potatoes, potato bits, hash browns, etc.

[MikeK]

Instant potatoes store really well, as do all the dehydrated forms. That's why the long term food storage companies sell so many different types, and I love them all, especially dehydrated hashbrowns.

They're definately worth storing. Variety is absolutely crucial to a good food storage program. And we should all store a variety of beans, grains, veggies, etc. More importantly is to learn a variety of ways to prepare those foods. Cooking is a basic life skill. Yet so few people try to master it.

But remember to, that there are literally MILLIONS of ways to prepare rice. If you're getting burned out on it, it's most likely because you're making it the same way each time. Rice is the staple for for more people than any other grain, so there are cultures all around the world that use it. Take a look at their various cuisines for amazingly tasty ways to prepare it. You could have a different dish every single day and never have the same one twice in your lifetime if that's what you want.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by Buffy

I stock potatoes in a variety of forms, mostly in #10 cans. They will store for as much as 30 years. I think they are filling and they are nutritious. You can get mashed potatoes, potato bits, hash browns, etc.

Nutrition is a good point. I read an article that showed dehydrated potatoes as losing very little nutrition in the process. And potatoes are pretty good for you as it is, other than the high glycemic index.

[rextex]

I stock instant potapoes as well as rice--variety you know!!

[rextex]

and potatoes too

[mtnairkin]

Originally Posted by rextex

and potatoes too

LOL, mtnairkin

[Ikesiked]

I would like to stock instant potatoes as I have no problem using them, but I would definitely want to stock it in a #10 can. I had a box of instant potatoes that was less than a year old and it was gummy when made.

[BadgeBunny]

Originally Posted by Ikesiked

I would like to stock instant potatoes as I have no problem using them, but I would definitely want to stock it in a #10 can. I had a box of instant potatoes that was less than a year old and it was gummy when made.

Ohhhh ... don't toss that box out!! You can use those potatos to make the BEST potato bread on the planet!!

[Buffy]

Originally Posted by BadgeBunny

Ohhhh ... don't toss that box out!! You can use those potatos to make the BEST potato bread on the planet!!

Recipe or it never happened.

[Monique]

I have limited freezer space, so tried dehydrating frozen hashbrowns, both shredded style and chunk style. Works great!

[Bullets~n~Beans]

In addition to rice, wheat and the other grains and beans I stock dyhdrated potato slices, hashbrowns, diced, and flakes. The slices go good in soups such as chicken and dumplings, and yes, I make it 100% from pantry storage.

Having variety is important but I agree with Mikek and others, rice has so many options it's incredible. I was just looking at Malaysian cooking and it's a huge staple there. They just use different spices for it.

[ShaynaGirl]

Costco sells a dehydrated hash brown potato, comes in a paper carton and sold in a 6 pack.

I like these better than the frozen or refrigerated hash brown potatoes and they cost a lot less as well.

Especially good with some spices, onion flakes and if you like, some bacon bits - mmmmmm!

[Ryn]

I store various types of rice and forms of potatoes as well.

[kev]

Originally Posted by Conman2U

.And if so, do they store just as long?

READ THE LABELS!!!!!!! Do not store any potatoes with animal fats in mylar bags for the long term. If the potatoes have butter in them, do not add them to your long term storage, no milk, no animal products at all. The animal fats will break down over the years.

I am storing regular potato flacks in mylar bags and with an oxygen absorber. From what I have read, this should be good for upwards to 30 years.

Read this thread about storing oats in mylar bags. In that thread on the first page there is a chart that gives estimated life spans on foods.

[Sky1950]

Originally Posted by kev

I am storing regular potato flacks in mylar bags and with an oxygen absorber. From what I have read, this should be good for upwards to 30 years.
Read this thread about storing oats in mylar bags. In that thread on the first page there is a chart that gives estimated life spans on foods.

I am headed the same way 70% rice and 30% Potato flakes... both in mylar bags w/ o2 packets... altho rice is the biggest bang-for-the-buck we will need some kind of variety.. dont forget to store some McCormick's instant gravy (I rotate this cause I am not sure of the storage life) to moisten it up, pop in some re-hydrated veggies (like corn, any kind of bean, etc.) and you have a bulkly meal ...

[kev]

Originally Posted by Sky1950

I am headed the same way 70% rice and 30% Potato flakes... both in mylar bags w/ o2 packets....

Rice, beans, potato flakes, rolled oats, instant pancake mix, pasta,,,,, I have it all stored in mylar bags.

Personally, I don't think the OP should limit himself to just 2 options. Get some shells and cheese, pasta,,,, other stuff stored in mylar bags, or buy some #10 cans.

To answer the main question, yes, I think potatoes are a viable option to rice, but there are more then just 2 options out there.

I have 5 - 5 gallon mylar bags on the way, they should be here friday. Last weekend my wife and I bought 40 pounds of pinto beans. When the 5 gallon bags get here we are going to store rice, beans, bisquick and rolled oats in 4 of those 5 buckets, the 5th bucket is undecided just of yet. We might do 5 gallons of potato flaks, but I dont know if I want to put that many potato flakes in a 5 gallon bucket. I also have some 1/2 and 1 gallon bags on the way. If anything, I might put up a couple of 1 gallon mylar bags of potato flakes.

[Gronk]

Store what you eat, eat what you store.

Rotate, rotate, rotate !

[riverrat]

Originally Posted by kev

READ THE LABELS!!!!!!! Do not store any potatoes with animal fats in mylar bags for the long term. If the potatoes have butter in them, do not add them to your long term storage, no milk, no animal products at all. The animal fats will break down over the years.

I am storing regular potato flacks in mylar bags and with an oxygen absorber. From what I have read, this should be good for upwards to 30 years.

Read this thread about storing oats in mylar bags. In that thread on the first page there is a chart that gives estimated life spans on foods.

Wow, I didn't think about that! I started buying some extra instant potatoes recently. I'll have to see if they are the butter flavored ones. I think they are. I'm glad I didn't just go out and buy 50 lbs of them.