Potatoes are a staple food in every kitchen around the world. They are liked by all for their versatility, taste and nutritional benefits. Many people want to store potatoes and eat them for a long time. But they can’t store potatoes due to lack of knowledge about the proper storage methods. However, improper storage of potatoes can cause them to sprout, spoil and lose quality. So, in this article, I will share effective tips for storing potatoes. If you follow my tips and store potatoes, you can use them fresh whenever you need them. Now, let’s know how to store potatoes properly.

Storing potatoes

The Basics of Potato Storage

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The first step to effective potato storage is choosing the right type of potato. Different varieties have different shelf lives. Some of the potato varieties are mentioned below for your betterment.

Russet Potatoes: These are good for baking and frying. They are good at room temperature for several weeks.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are known for their creamy texture and are quite durable.
Red Potatoes: These are great for salads and roasting. They have short shelf lives.
New Potatoes: These potatoes are very tasty but need to be eaten fast.

If you can choose the right potatoes based on your cooking, potato storage will be easier and more efficient.

Preparing Potatoes for Storage

Before storing your potatoes, you have to prepare them properly. Check out how to prepare potatoes.

Inspect for Damage: Check if any potatoes have bruises, cuts or blemishes. Usually, damaged potatoes spoil fast. So, don't store them.
Don't Wash: Never wash potatoes before storing them. But do clean them thoroughly with a brush before storing them.
Sort by Size: Small potatoes spoil fast. So, separate the good and big potatoes from the small potatoes and store the big ones.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Temperature and Light

Proper potato storage requires an ideal environment. But see how you can create an ideal potato storage environment.

Cool Temperature: Potatoes are good between 45°F and 50°F (7°C to 10°C) temperature. So, store potatoes at this temperature. Don’t store them in the refrigerator because extremely cold temperatures can convert starches into sugars that can make them tasteless.
Manage Darkness: Potatoes can sprout when they are kept in light and a toxic green color can fall on them. So, store potatoes in a dark place like a cupboard, cellar or pantry.

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Humidity Levels

It is very important to maintain the right humidity for storing potatoes. Ideally, potatoes need 90% humidity to be stored. Here are some tips for maintaining this humidity:

Use a Ventilated Container: Store potatoes in a cardboard box, paper bag or a mesh bag. Through these, air can blow well. Don’t use plastic bags for storing potatoes because they trap moisture. So, it can cause the potatoes to rot.
Keep Away from Other Produce: Potatoes emit ethylene gas which can spoil other fruits and vegetables. So, keep them away from onions, apples and other ethylene-sensitive produce while storing potatoes.

Different Methods to Store Potatoes

Storing Potatoes in a Cool, Dark Place

One of the easiest ways to store potatoes is to find a cool and dark place. Check out how to do it effectively.

Choose a Suitable Place: Find a place like a basement and pantry or cupboard.
Use the Right Container: Place the potatoes in a cardboard box or burlap sack or mesh bag for optimal airflow.
Monitor Temperature and Humidity: Regularly check out the temperature whether it is right or not.

Using a Potato Bin or Storage Rack

If you use potatoes frequently, buy a potato bin or storage rack. See how you can get the most benefit out of it.

Choose a Bin with Airflow: Choose a bin that can prevent moisture build-up and allow air to circulate.
Label and Organize: Label your storage to potatoes easily. In short, keep your potatoes close to your hands in the kitchen.

Short-Term Storage Solutions

Here are a few short-term storage methods for those who always need potatoes:

Refrigerate Leftover Cooked Potatoes: If you cook potatoes and have some potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are good for up to five days.
Freeze for Long-term Storage: To freeze raw potatoes, first cut them into cubes or slices. Then boil them for a short time in a covered container. Then freeze them when cool. They are good in the refrigerator for up to a year.

FAQ

Q-1: Can yoy store potatoes in the refrigerator?

A: No, it is not right to store potatoes in the refrigerator. Storing potatoes in the refrigerator can cause the potato starch to turn into sugar which can change their taste and texture.

Q-2: How long do potatoes last?

A: Potatoes can last from a few weeks to a few months depending on the variety. You have to store potatoes in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place for last long

Q-3: What should I do if my potatoes sprout?

A: If potatoes sprout, you can break off the sprouts. However, sprouting can reduce the quality of the potato's taste and texture.

Q-4: Can you store potatoes with onions?

A: No, it is better to keep potatoes away from onions and other produce. Actually, potatoes emit ethylene gas which can damage ethylene-sensitive items.

Q-5: How to know if potatoes are spoiled?

A: Spoiled potatoes may have soft spots and an unpleasant odor or greenish tinge. If you notice these signs, you will think that your potatoes are spoiled. So, it is better to discard them.

Q-6: How to store potatoes long term?

A: To store potatoes for the long term, store them in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place. Ideally, keep them between 45-55°F (7-13°C) and in a paper or mesh bag. Avoid plastic bags or containers to store them. In a word, keep them in containers that allow air to circulate. And, don't store potatoes with onions because they emit gasses that spoil the potatoes. Check regularly for signs of rotting or sprouting. Remove the affected potatoes. Keep them out of sunlight to prevent greening. However, potatoes that are stored in this way are good for several months.

Q-7: Where to store potatoes?

A: Store potatoes in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place like a pantry or cellar. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent sprouting. Avoid storing near onions as they emit gasses that spoil potatoes faster. Don’t refrigerate them as cold temperatures can change their taste. But you store potatoes in cold storage long term.

Finally, potatoes are an essential vegetable. Therefore, they should be stored properly. If they are stored properly, fresh potatoes can be eaten even after a long time and their taste is right. If you store potatoes according to the instructions in my article, you can enjoy delicious potatoes for several weeks or even months. You have already known how to store potatoes. Now you can store potatoes with confidence and continue to eat fresh potatoes for a long time.

Would you like to know more about potato storage? If you want, share it in the comments. I am always with you for such tips. Just visit my blog site and knock on my door if you need anything.

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