According to Mike, from Kitchen Tips Online, there’s a trick to ensure potatoes last. He advised: “We’ve all heard it before – maybe Grandma told you – ‘put your potatoes in the fridge’.”
Yet, he clarified that this isn’t the best approach, explaining: “Well, that’s actually not a good idea because potatoes don’t like the cold temperature.”
Mike noted “potatoes like humidity” – and there’s no humidity to be found in the fridge. He stated: “Also, cold temperature causes the starch in the potato to turn to sugar and it breaks down the potatoes’ cellular structure.”
Instead, he suggested: “Potatoes prefer a temperature of between four and 10 degrees Celcius.” Highlighting another key point, Mike cautioned: “Now, here’s something you might not be aware of, potatoes are very susceptible to light – especially sunlight.”
He elaborates on the effects of exposure: “Sunlight causes the potato to turn green, or actually any kind of light causes the potato to eventually have a green coating on the outside of them.”
His ultimate recommendation is to steer clear of the fridge and anywhere bright; the best place for potatoes is a dry, dark place.
Sharing his personal experience, Mike said: “I used to put my potatoes in a basement, in a bin, and they would last routinely for eight to 10 weeks.”
Since he moved into a home without a basement, he stores potatoes in the kitchen on a baking tray with a rack.
Mike elaborated: “I put the potatoes – unwashed, don’t wash the potatoes – and distribute them equally on the tray and I put the pan in a draw in my kitchen.”
If you’re lacking a spare drawer, it’s advisable to take the potatoes out of the original plastic bag they were purchased in from the supermarket.
“I assure you, you should never keep potatoes in the original plastic bag they came in,” Mike advised. Potatoes require a well-ventilated area, something an airtight bag doesn’t provide.
A netted bag or wicker basket is the preferred choice for storing potatoes in a kitchen cupboard or cellar. While this method can extend the life of potatoes for months, it’s wise to regularly check on them as rot can spread if they are touching each other.
If you notice any signs of decay, greening or sprouting, it’s best to throw them away. Another storage tip involves placing the potatoes in a dark location on top of a newspaper at a slightly warmer temperature. This causes the skin to thicken, making the potato less susceptible to bruising and rot.
