Potatoes are a staple ingredient in many kitchens, adaptable enough to feature in numerous recipes and prepared in endless methods. Frequently purchased in large quantities to cut costs, it’s typical not to consume the entire bag straight away.
To guarantee these vegetables remain fresh for as long as possible without deteriorating, understanding the correct storage technique is essential. Dr Erin Carter revealed her knowledge about potato preservation through her TikTok profile @dr.erincarter, posting a video with the caption: “The best way to store potatoes so they last as long as possible.” In the video, she asked: “Are your potatoes sprouting or going bad before you even have a chance to use them?”
She continued: “If so, you need to watch this video. I’m going to show you a storage hack for potatoes that is going to change your life.”
Erin recommended abandoning the standard plastic packaging the potatoes arrive in and replacing it with a paper alternative, before sharing the “real secret” of her technique, reports the Express.
She said: “Transfer all of the potatoes into a paper bag – and now comes the real secret. You’re going to add an apple to the bag.
“I know it sounds crazy, but just trust me. Put the apple in with the potatoes and then move the potatoes to a cool, dry place.”
This tip is backed by science, as apples emit ethylene gas, which according to research from a 2016 Journal of Food Science and Technology study, can inhibit the sprouting of potatoes.
Not only does this natural gas produced by apples help prevent sprouts, but it also extends the overall freshness of your potatoes.
While ethylene is beneficial for potatoes, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for all produce. In fact, this gas can hasten spoilage in other fruits and vegetables, such as onions, melons, broccoli, and peaches, so it’s best to keep your apples away from these ethylene-sensitive items.
In the comments section of Erin’s video, some claimed their potatoes can last between four to six months when stored alongside apples in the refrigerator. One user shared, “I keep mine at the bottom of the fridge with an apple; they last forever.”
Another wrote: “Mine lasted for six months when I put them in the fridge with an apple. They quickly sprouted in my pantry.”
And a third said: “I put them loose in the fridge drawer with an apple and they last for at least four months.”
