As the caravan and camping season rolls in, Australians are stocking up on essentials that will make their outdoor adventures both enjoyable and hassle-free. Among the myriad of items that fill the shelves of Woolworths and Coles, there’s one surprising product that’s causing quite a stir among the camping community: canned potatoes.
Yes, you read that right. Canned potatoes, retailing at a mere $2, have become the talk of the town, or rather, the talk of the campsite. These pre-cooked, ready-to-eat spuds are flying off the supermarket shelves, and for good reason. They’re not only affordable and convenient but also versatile, making them a must-have for anyone hitting the road in their caravan or pitching a tent under the stars.
The online buzz around canned potatoes was sparked by a post from content creator Oh So Busy Mum, who shared her own culinary experience with the product. ‘Have you tried these tin potatoes? They are seriously the best and cheap at $2!’ she exclaimed. Her method of adding a dash of seasoning and cooking them on the BBQ for a crispy finish has garnered over a thousand comments, with many echoing her enthusiasm for this humble pantry staple.
The appeal of canned potatoes lies in their simplicity and ease of use. They’re perfect for those times when you’re miles away from a supermarket, or when a sudden storm knocks out power and you’re left with nothing but a BBQ or campfire. ‘We use them during our caravan travels, cheap, easy to store & yummy,’ one camper shared. Another added, ‘These are awesome for camping! Shove the open can in the coals until all the water evaporates and they’re ready to go. So delicious and so easy.’
But it’s not just the convenience that has caravan owners raving. The versatility of canned potatoes is a major drawcard. From a quick side dish of BBQ potatoes to a hearty potato salad with leftover ham, bacon, and veggies, the possibilities are endless. Some creative campers even suggest smashing them in muffin tins with cheese, garlic, and bacon, or frying them up with a medley of other ingredients for a satisfying meal.
While some shoppers remain sceptical, preferring to support local Aussie potato farmers or questioning the value compared to fresh potatoes, the fans of this $2 item are sharing recipes and tips that could convert even the most doubtful. ‘They’re great smashed in muffin tins with cheese garlic and bacon and baked,’ one shopper suggested, while another recommended, ‘Cut them up smaller, chuck them in a bowl, add egg mayo, freeze-dried parsley, boiled eggs cut up, red onion and it’s the best potato salad I’ve eaten.’
However, amidst the excitement, there’s a word of caution for those new to the world of canned potatoes: avoid the microwave. Several shoppers and the can’s label itself warn against microwaving these potatoes, as they’re prone to exploding and creating a mess that’s anything but convenient.
These $2 canned potatoes could be the secret to your next outdoor meal. Just remember, skip the microwave and let the campfire or BBQ work its magic. Have you tried them? Share your recipes or camping tips in the comments below!
We used canned potatoes back in the 80’s on our sailing holidays – and the dried potato too. Best thing to fill up the kids – and ourselves.
Spuds from overseas in a can? I don’t think so! support our own farmers!
You don’t have to ‘avoid the microwave’ !
Many microwaves have a program to cook potatoes, whole. They don’t explode, are a (fairly) quick, easy way to produce cooked whole potatoes.