Whether you enjoy them roasted, baked, mashed, or fried, potatoes are undoubtedly a versatile British staple.
Despite their popularity in the kitchen, many people are unsure of the best way to store them.
To help you keep your potatoes fresh and extend their shelf life, Vlatka Lake, a storage expert at Space Station, gave Express.co.uk some valuable tips.
One of her simple storage methods helps keep not only potatoes, but all root vegetables, fresh for weeks.
She said: “Potatoes keep the longest when stored in a cool, dry, dark place as exposure to moisture and light can lead to rotting.”
Regarding the ideal location, the expert revealed: “Ideal locations include basements or airy cupboards and pantries.
“The same goes for other root vegetables, such as turnips, and storing them this way ensures they’ll be good for weeks, or possibly all season long.”
But that’s not all, as you should ideally also secure good ventilation for your potatoes for one key reason.
Lake added: “Unlike many other vegetables, they also need to be well-ventilated to prevent premature rotting, so avoid any airtight containers, instead opting for sufficiently perforated bags or baskets.
“If you’re looking to store potatoes that are already cooked, simply leave them to cool to room temperature, before transferring them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.”
When stored this way, your cooked potatoes should be good to keep for up to a year.
The expert also shared that a common storage mistake when it comes to potatoes is placing them alongside ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables.
These include products such as onions, avocados, and tomatoes, which can accelerate the sprouting and spoiling of your potatoes, so you should always try to store them separately.
