Whether you’re preparing a Sunday roast or enjoying a simple baked potato for lunch, time and again we find ourselves reaching into our fridges for this beloved vegetable.
But sadly, we’re frequently greeted with the annoying sight of them turning soft with shoots beginning to emerge, forcing us to make an unwelcome journey to the rubbish bin.
Nevertheless, fresh guidance has remarkably indicated that there might be a method to keep this tasty food fresh for an entire year before it begins deteriorating.
Whilst people regularly find themselves racing against the clock to ensure they consume all their potatoes before they go off, one innovative preservation technique could reduce this stress.
YouTuber Tracy Tips reckons that a straightforward four-step approach means we can maintain raw vegetables fresh and ready to consume for up to 12 months after buying them.
Initially, Tracy explains we need a cardboard box, followed by adding dry paper, like kitchen towel, to the box’s base.
Undertaking this step ensures that any “excess moisture is absorbed”, whilst also preventing the potato’s surface from becoming damaged.
The next stage requires layering the potatoes on top of each other with kitchen towel placed between them, before it’s time to “sprinkle a layer of baking powder over the surface of the potatoes”.
Clarifying the reasoning behind incorporating this culinary ingredient, she noted: “Using baking soda helps absorb moisture effectively and limits sprouting.”
Once the box is filled, she advised adding another layer of tissue paper, closing the lid and storing the vegetables in a place away from direct sunlight and humidity until they’re ready to be eaten.
While Tracy offered her tips for extending the life of potatoes, their shelf life can vary significantly depending on how they are stored, and whether they are cooked or not.
Healthline suggests that uncooked potatoes can last anywhere from one week to several months, while frozen cooked potatoes can be kept for up to a year.
There are certain signs to look out for to determine if a raw potato has passed its prime, such as becoming soft to the touch.
On the other hand, it’s easy to identify when the vegetable is still fresh, as it should be hard with tight skin, and free from any significant markings or bruises.
