Potatoes, a staple in many households, are a versatile and nutritious addition to meals.
However, improper storage can lead to premature sprouting, loss of flavour, and spoilage.
To maximise the freshness and longevity of your potatoes, Sarah Taylor, food hygiene expert at High Speed Training, shares valuable tips on the best storage practices.
According to Sarah, potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place similar to onions.
This environment helps slow down the sprouting process and maintains the potatoes’ quality.
When storing potatoes, it’s crucial to keep them separate from other vegetables.
Potatoes release ethylene gas, which can cause neighbouring produce to ripen and spoil more quickly.
Therefore, storing potatoes in a separate bin or compartment helps maintain the freshness of other vegetables.
To prevent sprouting, Sarah recommends keeping potatoes out of direct sunlight.
Exposure to light can trigger the sprouting process, leading to undesirable green shoots.
By storing potatoes in a dark environment, you can minimise sprouting and preserve their quality.
For potatoes that have already begun to sprout, Sarah reassures that they are still safe to eat.
“You can simply cut off smaller green shoots,” she advises.
“Potatoes in the early stages of sprouting are perfectly safe to consume, as long as they are firm and free from mould.”
