Method-1
Proper storage of Potatoes
Store potatoes in a cool place.[1] The ideal temperature is somewhere between 45 and 50 °F (7 and 10 °C). However, you can store potatoes between 38 and 42 °F (3.4 and 5.6 °C) without greatly affecting their flavor or texture.Wherever you choose to store potatoes, make sure the temperatures remain consistent. If they change too much, the potatoes can start to rot or sprout.
If you store potatoes below 4.5°C, use them within 6 to 8 months. If you store potatoes above 4.5°C, use them within 3 to 4 months.
Make sure the storage area is dry and do not wash the potatoes before storing. Save the laundry for when you are ready to cook it. If you wash the potatoes first, you risk trapping moisture in the skin. This can cause potatoes to rot sooner.
If the storage area is too dry, your potatoes may shrivel. If this happens, move the potatoes to a place with higher humidity; about 80 to 90 percent would be ideal.However, make sure that the potatoes have good air circulation, otherwise, they will rot.
Store potatoes in a paper bag to ensure proper ventilation. Avoid plastic bags as they tend to trap heat and moisture. Instead, plant and gardening specialist Olivia Choong suggests “keeping them in a well-ventilated container such as a basket or crate.” Choong advises that “a paper bag or some kind of netting can also work well.” Here are some other suitable containers for storing potatoes:
- Cardboard boxes
- Cotton or muslin bags
Store potatoes in a dark place. Ideal storage areas include basements, closets, closets, and garages.Too much light, especially sunlight, can cause potatoes to sprout. It can also cause potatoes to overproduce a chemical called solanine, which causes them to turn green and taste bitter.
If you notice the skin turning green, cut it off before cooking and eating the potato. If the green has gotten into the very flesh of the potato, discard the potato.
Avoid storing potatoes in places that tend to heat up. These include cabinets under the sink and next to large appliances such as stoves and refrigerators. Potatoes will germinate if kept in a warm area.Plant growing and horticulture specialist Olivia Choong also advises against “refrigerating potatoes as this turns potato starches into sugars. Not only does it change the taste, but it can also form acrylamide, a chemical that has been identified as a cancer risk.”
Method-2
Avoid storing potatoes near onions, apples, bananas, pears, and other fruits.There seems to be a lot of debate about whether apples can prevent potatoes from sprouting. According to plant and horticulture specialist Olivia Choong, “onions and apples release ethylene gas, which speeds up the germination process.” Some studies have also shown that potatoes can make apples soft and mushy.
On the other hand, some people have found that keeping an apple or two with potatoes will keep them from sprouting.
Consider keeping some herbs for the potatoes. Studies have shown that herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and sage contain oils that help prevent potato rot and rot.These same oils can also help prevent potatoes from sprouting.
Try using peppermint or peppermint essential oils. Soak a small piece of absorbent paper in essential oil and place it in the container with the potatoes. Studies have shown that these oils can inhibit potato germination.
Reapply the essential oil every 2 to 3 weeks or as needed.
Do not use this method if your storage container is made of metal or plastic. Essential oils can degrade these materials.
Clove oil can also be used, but requires heat or aerosol application and is therefore not recommended for home use.
Understand that potatoes will eventually sprout, usually within 1 to 4 months. Nothing lasts forever, especially food. While you can prevent potatoes from sprouting prematurely, they will eventually spoil and sprout. Depending on the variety, potatoes will naturally begin to sprout between days 30 and 140. Some people find that the following varieties generally last longer than others: Katahdin, Yellow Finn, and Yukon Gold.
If you store a variety of potatoes, eat the varieties that don’t last as long first.
