How To Preserve Potatoes

Potatoes are one of those food items that can last for weeks when stored properly, but the wrong storage conditions can make them spoil much faster than expected. For instance, leaving them in a hot kitchen or, keeping them in a tightly sealed plastic bag  can all affect how long they stay fresh.

Interestingly, preserving potatoes is not a big deal! You mainly need the right storage conditions and a few simple habits.

Storage Tips

Here are practical ways to keep your potatoes fresh for longer and reduce unnecessary food waste.

1. Choose potatoes that are already in good condition

Preserving potatoes starts from the point of buying. If you’re buying a large quantity, don’t just pick up the bag and store everything immediately. Check through them first.

Choose potatoes that are firm and dry, without mould, deep cuts, bruises, wet patches or soft areas. A damaged potato is more likely to spoil quickly and can affect the potatoes around it.

2. Don’t wash them before storing

As tempting as it may be to wash the dirt off immediately, don’t. Moisture can encourage mould and make potatoes spoil faster. If there is excess dirt on them, gently brush or wipe it off instead.

Wash your potatoes only when you’re ready to cook them.

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3. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place

Potatoes don’t like heat or direct sunlight.

Find a cool, dry and dark part of your kitchen or pantry to store them. Keep them away from windows, direct sunlight and areas close to your cooker where the temperature is usually higher.

You don’t need to refrigerate raw potatoes for normal household storage.

4. Don’t keep them in a plastic bag

Potatoes need ventilation.

If you leave them tightly packed in a plastic bag, moisture can build up inside and encourage mould and rot.

A basket, paper bag, cardboard box or breathable sack is a better option. If you’re storing a large quantity, don’t pack them so tightly that air cannot circulate.

5. Keep potatoes away from onions

It’s common to see potatoes and onions stored together in the kitchen, but it’s better to keep them apart.

Both can release gases as they age, which may encourage faster sprouting and spoilage when they’re stored together.

Give each one its own storage space.

6. Check them regularly

Don’t wait until you’re ready to cook before checking your potatoes.

Every few days or at least once a week, look through them. Remove any potato that has become rotten, mouldy or very soft so it doesn’t affect the others. This is particularly important when you buy potatoes in bulk.

Got Sprouting Potatoes?

A potato with a small sprout isn’t necessarily the same as a completely rotten potato.

If it is still firm and otherwise looks normal, remove the small sprouts and any green or damaged parts generously before cooking.

However, if the potato is heavily sprouted, very soft, mouldy, or has significant green areas, it is safer to throw it away.

Conclusion 

Good storage is important, especially when you’re buying foodstuff in larger quantities. Instead of watching part of your foodstuff  spoil before you get around to using it, a little care can help you get more value from what you’ve already paid for.

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