How to Store Potatoes

Let’s face it: we’ve all had this happen because we didn’t store potatoes properly. We go to get some for a recipe, only to discover that they’re sprouting, shrinking or even worse, succumbing to rot. That’s why it’s important to learn to store potatoes properly so you can extend their freshness and always have this versatile ingredient on hand. Read on to discover the secrets of potato preservation.

Potato storage duration

When stored properly, uncooked potatoes can last anywhere from three to five weeks in the pantry and three to four months in a cool, dark place. This makes them an ideal vegetable to buy in bulk for meal planning on a budget. To store potatoes, you must balance humidity, temperature, airflow and light exposure. Let’s address each issue separately.

Humidity levels

Potatoes prefer a high-humidity environment, ideally between 80% to 90%. To achieve this, you can store them in perforated plastic bags or a root cellar where natural humidity is often higher.

Temperature

Store your potatoes at a cool temperature, ranging from 45 F to 50 F. But don’t store them in the refrigerator since lower temperatures can convert the starch in potatoes to sugar, which changes their taste and cooking properties.

Airflow

Good ventilation is crucial to proper potato storage since excess moisture can lead to spoilage. Ensure your storage area allows air to circulate around the potatoes. In other words, if you store them loosely in slatted crates, perforated bags or baskets, you should be good to go.

Light exposure

Potatoes should be kept in the dark since light can cause them to turn green. Use paper bags, burlap or a closed box to shield them from light or store them inside a closed cabinet. Check periodically to remove any potatoes that have started to turn green.

How to store potatoes at home

The right storage can significantly extend the shelf life of your potatoes. Here are some of the most common choices, along with advantages and disadvantages. Choose a method that best fits your needs and space.

• In a bowl: Place your potatoes in a dry, well-ventilated bowl. Keep the bowl dark so the potatoes are not exposed to sunlight.
• In a basket: A basket allows for good airflow, which prevents moisture build-up and spoilage. Keep it in a cool, dark and dry area of your home.
• In the original packaging: If your potatoes came in a perforated plastic bag, you can keep them in their original packaging to balance humidity and avoid sprouting.
• In a paper bag: A paper bag is ideal for maintaining dry conditions. Fold the top of the bag over to protect the potatoes from light.
• In a mesh bag: A mesh bag is a great alternative that provides excellent ventilation. There’s a reason that some potatoes are sold in mesh bags — it’s a good way to store them.
• In a box: A cardboard box can be suitable if kept in a cool and dark place, such as a basement. Ensure the box is open or has holes for adequate air circulation.

Keep potatoes separate when storing them

Potatoes should be stored away from other produce that can accelerate spoilage. Many fruits and vegetables emit ethylene gas as they ripen, which can cause potatoes to start sprouting.

Some of the most common ethylene gas troublemakers are onions, apples, bananas and tomatoes. Instead, store potatoes near other root vegetables, like sweet potatoes, that have similar storage needs.

“Keep potatoes away from your onions. Potatoes and onions do not get along, warns Michelle Price of Honest and Truly. “The gasses that onions exude cause potatoes to sprout faster, so they will go bad more quickly than you’d like.”

Check your potatoes

When storing potatoes, it’s not just enough to create a good environment. Regular inspection and proper separation are necessary, too.

Check your potatoes once a week to make sure they are in good condition. Remove any potatoes that are sprouting, soft or showing signs of decay so these issues don’t spread to the rest.

Another option if you find this sprouting: use these potatoes to grow new ones. Potatoes are one of nearly two dozen vegetables you can grow from kitchen scraps.

How to store potatoes for longer times

A first-in, first-out approach is essential when storing potatoes for long periods. So, organize your potatoes in a way that allows you to access the oldest ones first easily. If you are holding many potatoes, label them with the storage date.

“After harvesting 80 to 100 pounds of potatoes each season, we store them in banana boxes on shelves in a cold, dark section of our garage,” says Dan Morris of Fire and Saw. “It’s important to dig up the potatoes while the soil is dry so that they can be put away dry. They should not be washed before storing. They will last eight to 10 months here before they start going to seed.”

Troubleshooting common issues

The most common potato issues are sprouting, shriveling and discoloration. Promptly addressing these issues can help maintain the quality of your potatoes.

• Sprouting occurs when potatoes are exposed to light. If sprouts develop, remove them and use the potatoes promptly.
• Shriveling happens due to moisture loss. Keep your potatoes plump in a high-humidity environment and avoid direct sunlight. If your potatoes begin to shrivel, consider using them in recipes that require less visual appeal but are flavor-focused, like mashed potatoes.
• Potato discoloration can occur due to exposure to light or temperature changes. To keep potatoes from changing color, keep them stored at a constant temperature and away from light. If discoloration is slight and the potatoes are firm, they are still usable. However, you should throw away potatoes if the discoloration is accompanied by a rotten smell or a mushy texture.

Selecting the right potatoes

Selecting high-quality potatoes ensures they will last longer. Pay attention to the potato variety and freshness when you buy them. Also, make sure you’re buying the right types of potatoes for the recipes you want to make. When picking potatoes, these are the most important factors to consider.

• Skin Integrity: Choose potatoes with firm, unblemished skins. Avoid those with cuts or soft spots.
• Eye Count: Buy potatoes with fewer eyes. Numerous or sprouted eyes indicate old potatoes.
• Firmness: They should be firm to the touch. Soft, yielding potatoes are past their prime.

Summing up

You can avoid sprouting, shrinking or rotting potatoes by understanding how to store potatoes. Maintaining the proper humidity, temperature, airflow and darkness is crucial. Ensure your potatoes are stored separately from ethylene gas-emitting fruits and vegetables.

Whether you choose a basket, mesh bag or cardboard box, select a method that suits your space and needs. With proper storage, you can confidently enjoy your potatoes for weeks or even months so that you can create delicious potato dishes, from twice baked potatoes to roasted potatoes.

This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.