how do i store potatoes?
Potatoes are a staple in many households and are versatile in the kitchen. Whether you like them mashed, roasted, or fried, it’s important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and don’t go bad. In this blog post, I’ll go over the best ways to store potatoes at home, long term, and how to prevent them from sprouting.
What is the best way to store potatoes at home?
The best way to store potatoes at home is in a cool, dark, and dry place. Here are some tips on how to store potatoes at home:
- Keep them in a breathable container: A paper or mesh bag is ideal for storing potatoes. This allows air to circulate and prevents moisture from building up, which can cause the potatoes to rot.
- Keep them away from light: Potatoes should be stored in a dark place to prevent them from turning green. Green potatoes are not safe to eat and can cause digestive problems.
- Keep them cool: Potatoes should be stored in a cool place, but not in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for storing potatoes is between 7-10 degrees Celsius.
What is the best way to store potatoes long term?
If you’re looking to store potatoes long term, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s how to store potatoes for the long haul:
- Cure them first: Before storing potatoes long term, they can to be cured. This involves keeping them at a temperature of around 15-20 degrees Celsius and a humidity of around 85-90% for 1-2 weeks. This will help to toughen up the skin and extend their shelf life.
- Store them in a dark, cool, and humid place: After curing, potatoes should be stored in a dark place at a temperature of around 7-10 degrees Celsius and a humidity of around 90%. A root cellar or basement is an ideal place to store potatoes long term.
- Check on them regularly: It’s important to check on your stored potatoes regularly to make sure none of them have started to rot or sprout.
How do you store potatoes so they don’t sprout?
Potatoes can sprout quickly if they’re not stored properly. Here are some tips to prevent your potatoes from sprouting:
- Keep them in a cool, dark place: As mentioned before, potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent them from sprouting.
- Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them: Washing potatoes can cause moisture to build up, which can lead to sprouting. It’s best to only wash them right before you’re ready to use them.
- Store them with an apple: Apples release ethylene gas, which can help to prevent potatoes from sprouting. Keep an apple with your potatoes in a paper bag or mesh bag to slow down the sprouting process.
Where is the best place to store potatoes?
The best place to store potatoes is in a cool, dark, and dry place. Here are some ideal places to store potatoes:
- In a root cellar: If you have a root cellar, this is an ideal place to store potatoes long term.
- In a basement: If you don’t have a root cellar, a cool basement can work as well.
- In a pantry: If you don’t have a basement, a pantry can work as long as it’s cool, dark, and dry.
In conclusion, storing potatoes properly is important to ensure they stay fresh and don’t go bad. Whether you’re storing them for the short term or the long haul, keeping them in a cool, dark, and dry place is key. With these tips, you can make sure your potatoes stay fresh and delicious for longer.
Great things to cook with potatoes
- Potato dauphinoise
- Triple cooked chips
- And of course my perfect roast potatoes.