Have you ever forgotten about a bag of potatoes you brought home from the grocery store and left it in your cupboard for months? If so, you’re probably familiar with one of two things. Either your kitchen or pantry will end up stinking as the bag of potatoes completely rots into a mushy mess, or you’ll notice the potatoes growing wildly, with eyes and stems sprouting out like little creatures with a mind of their own. There’s a good reason for these disturbing events when potatoes are forgotten or improperly stored: potatoes, although a sturdy staple crop, require specific conditions to remain fresh. Without them, they go haywire.
Proper Potato Storage: How to Keep Your Potatoes Fresh
When it comes to storing potatoes, especially on a large scale, certain conditions must be met to prevent them from rotting. Specially designed storage areas help keep potatoes alive and slow down their natural decomposition process, which is caused by the breakdown of starch.
Proper storage is essential. The storage facility or area must be well-ventilated and dark. If potatoes are being stored long-term, the temperature should be maintained at around 40°F. For short-term storage, just before cooking, temperatures between 45-50°F are ideal. If potatoes are stored below 40°F, starch begins to convert into sugar, which changes both the taste and cooking qualities of the potatoes, so it’s best to avoid this.
While you can store potatoes in a high-humidity crisper drawer of a refrigerator, it’s important to let them warm up for a few days before use. This helps the converted sugar return to starch after the cold temperatures of the fridge. Commercial warehouses can store potatoes under optimal conditions for up to six months, but at home, they usually last just a few weeks.
If you notice your potatoes sprouting or developing green spots, simply trim off those areas before cooking. As long as the potato is still firm, it should be fine to eat. Never eat potatoes that are shriveled, wrinkled, or have excessive sprouting. Green skin is a result of too much light and may contain a mild toxic alkaloid, which should be avoided.
By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your potatoes at their best. Eating them before they spoil will help you avoid the unpleasant smell and the sight of sprouting, “possessed” potatoes.
