Potatoes are a staple in any kitchen no matter if you bake them, roast them or put them in a salad, but they often spoil before their time because most people are storing them in the wrong spot. It may seem obvious to store potatoes at room temperature, but now in summer the heat can speed up spoilage so they are more likely to sprout or go mouldy.
Instead, the potato experts at Albert Bartlett have shared the best way to keep potatoes fresh is to actually move them to the fridge. They said: “All potatoes should be stored in a fridge for freshness. We previously suggested that you keep most potatoes in a cool, dry and dark place, but recent research has shown that storing potatoes in the fridge can make them last up to three weeks longer, so the Food Standards Agency’s advice has been revised.”
The Food Standard Agency used to advise against storing potatoes at cold temperatures as it was believed to increase the risk of acrylamide, a chemical substance that can cause cancer.
However, it has now updated its guidelines to reveal that storing potatoes in the fridge does not significantly increase acrylamide compared to leaving them at room temperature.
On the government’s website, it states: “We previously advised consumers against storage of raw potatoes in the fridge at home, as it was thought this could lead to the formation of additional sugars (known as cold sweetening) which can then convert into acrylamide when the potatoes are fried, roasted or baked.
“A recent study, which has been reviewed by the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), has shown that home storage of potatoes in the fridge doesn’t materially increase acrylamide forming potential when compared to storage in a cool, dark place.”
Storing potatoes in the fridge at below allows the cold air to slow down bacterial growth and reduces the chances of them becoming soft.
Potatoes are one of the most thrown out foods in British households, so storing them at cold temperatures can help you cut down on food waste and save you some money on your food shop.
Keeping potatoes at room temperature is absolutely fine, but storing them in the fridge can help prevent rotting during hot summer months.
If you wish to store potatoes at room temperature, avoid places like under the sink, near windows, or next to kitchen appliances, as the warmth will encourage sprouting.
Potatoes can turn green when exposed to light or heat which means that are producing solanine, a toxic chemical that not only tastes bitter but can make you sick.
The best way to keep potatoes fresh during summer is to store them in the fridge, but a cool, dark cupboard, drawer, or pantry also works well to help prevent spoilage.
