Whether making chips or roasties, potatoes are a staple food in many people’s food shops. However, when you buy a big bag, they can often turn bad before you get the chance to use them all up, resulting in sprouts growing.
When a potato sprouts, the tubers start to regrow, which can cause the vegetable to lose its flavour. They can also begin to change colour, and once they turn green, they are no longer safe to be consumed. I recently tried out a hack which kept my potato fresh for five months.
When purchased in the supermarket, potatoes often come in plastic bags, which can cause the vegetable to suffocate and turn mouldy fast.
Potatoes need some circulation, and according to Tesco Real Food, are best kept in a mesh or paper bag.
I decided to keep my vegetables in a paper bag away from other fresh produce, such as onions, which can make potatoes deteriorate quickly.
The experts also recommended keeping the bag in a cool, dark place, so I found a spare spot in a cool cupboard to store the potato.
If they are kept in the light, the potatoes will photosynthesise and sprout, according to the experts.
They explained: “The temperature must be below 10C. So, if you want your spuds to stay in tip-top condition, we recommend popping them in a paper bag and stashing them away in a dark place of your choosing, like a porch cupboard or garden shed.”
As well as this, it’s important not to wash them before storage, as this adds moisture and will result in sprouting.
I followed all of these tips from the experts, and I checked every month for any signs of spoiling.
However, this potato stayed fresh for five months before it showed any signs that it needed to be used up.
This sign was that the potato wasn’t as firm to touch anymore, but I thought five months was impressive, considering I didn’t do anything special.
The experts noted that if the potato goes green, it means it is toxic and unsafe to eat.