Compared to most other vegetables, potatoes are specially stored. With proper storage, good potatoes can last for several months. It is important to know the intricacies of proper potato storage so that you get the best out of this vegetable, either by buying it at the market or growing it yourself.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Storing Potatoes
Step 1. Separate the potatoes
After buying a bunch of potatoes or collecting them from the garden, take a moment to separate them. Look for potatoes with skin blemishes, bruising, or other visible damage. Potatoes like this shouldn't be stored – they will rot faster than regular potatoes and can spread rot to undamaged potatoes. Instead, choose one of the following options:
- Use spoiled potatoes within a day or two, cutting off any damaged or deformed parts before use.
- “Preserve” potatoes to reverse damage and extend shelf life (see recovery steps below).
- Discard potatoes that are very damaged or rotten.
Step 2. Store healthy potatoes in a dry and dark place
Once you have separated the spoiled and undamaged potatoes, store the undamaged potatoes in a place that is not exposed to light or moisture. Things like this can cause potatoes to turn green and/or rot. Good examples of places are cellars and separate kitchen cabinets.
- In addition, potatoes need to be in a well-ventilated place. Most potatoes are sold in perforated bags that allow air to flow---bags like this are great. Do not transfer the potatoes to an airtight container.
- If you're pulling your own potatoes from the garden, try arranging them in wicker baskets or boxes with air holes. Add a sheet of newspaper between each layer. Cover the top layer with newspaper.
Step 3. Keep the temperature cool
Potatoes are best stored at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. For maximum storage, potatoes should be between 2-4 degrees Celsius. A dark, cool room such as a basement or a root cellar is usually best suited.
Note that the refrigerator is too cold for potatoes and can spoil the taste. Check out the article section below for more information
Step 4. Check potatoes periodically for signs of rot
If stored using the method above, most potatoes will last for several months without a problem. However, it's a good thing every few weeks the potatoes are checked for signs of a "problem". A rotten potato can infect other potatoes in the vicinity, so it's important to get rid of damaged potatoes before they spread. Signs to look for are:
- green: A light green color appears on the potatoes. The flesh will soften over time and appear slightly wilted. This is often caused by exposure to light. If the green that appears is still thin, cut off the green skin before cooking.
- sprout: Small shoots like “buds” start to come out of the potato. Usually accompanied by a green / softened condition. Cut the shoots off before cooking if the potatoes are not too soft or green.
- Rot: The potatoes are starting to look rotten---they smell bad, are soft, and/or moldy. Discard the rotten potatoes and remove the stuck newspaper.
Step 5. Preserve the potatoes for long term storage
If you want your potatoes to last longer, try the method described below. It is also a good choice for potatoes with minor damage that are prone to rot – “preserved” potatoes usually have minor scratches and bruises that can be healed. To preserve potatoes:
- Place the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper in a cool, dark place.
- Raise the temperature to 10-15 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the normal storage temperature.
- Leave the potatoes untouched. After two weeks, the potato skins will be thickened and dry. Remove dirt from the surface of the potato skins and store it according to the instructions above. (temperature needs to be lowered).
Method 2 of 2: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Do not wash potatoes before storing
While “cleaned” potatoes may seem less prone to rotting, the truth is the opposite. If potatoes are exposed to moisture, they will have a shorter shelf life so they will rot much faster. Keep potatoes as dry as possible before and during storage.
If the potatoes are dirty, let them dry, then use a dry brush to remove any visible lumps of soil. You can (and should) wash them right before they start cooking
Step 2. Do not store potatoes in the refrigerator
As described above, the refrigerator is too cold to store potatoes. The cold temperature in the refrigerator will cause the potato starch to turn into sugar, making it sweet and unpleasant. This can also affect the color.
If you store potatoes in the refrigerator, then allow them to warm up to room temperature before cooking. This will reduce the discoloration (though not completely)
Step 3. Do not store potatoes that have been cut open
When cutting potatoes, cook them as soon as possible. Potato flesh that is exposed to air does not store as well when compared to potatoes that still have a tougher skin. If you can't cook a bunch of cut potatoes right away, soak them in 2.5-5 cm of cold water. Potatoes soaked like this will last a day and won't lose their texture or change their color.
Step 4. Do not store potatoes near fruit
Many fruits, such as apples, pears, and bananas, release a chemical called ethylene. This gas causes ripening-you'll find that these fruits tend to ripen more quickly when stored alongside potatoes. Ethylene can cause potatoes to germinate faster, so store fruit elsewhere.
Tips
- If there are potatoes from the garden that are still in storage when spring comes, use them for planting in the growing season. Check out the article on how to grow potatoes for more information.
- If the potatoes become sweet during storage, move them to a warmer (but still dark and dry) place for a week before cooking. The sugar will begin to turn back into starch, reducing the sweetness.
