Now that summer is drawing to a close, many people will be fantasising about preparing their beloved stews, soups or casseroles to keep warm once the chilly weather arrives. Numerous of our cherished comfort dishes feature potatoes as a central component, but preventing them from sprouting prematurely can be challenging if you’re unaware of proper storage methods.
Karen Lamar, a storage specialist from Organic Cottonmart, has revealed that one of the most damaging errors people commit is keeping potatoes on the kitchen worktop alongside certain vegetables. She explained: “When it comes to long-term storage, onions and potatoes outlast many others. So, why not just store them together in the same place? Well, that might not exactly work because onions release ethylene gas, which causes potatoes to sprout.”
Potatoes ought to be kept well away from onions, garlic and tomatoes as they emit substantial amounts of ethylene gas, a plant-development hormone which assists produce in ripening to achieve a more flavourful taste.
Not only will these vegetables trigger potatoes to start sprouting ahead of schedule, but they also possess a high water content, meaning they discharge considerable moisture and can lead to potatoes becoming mouldy.
Rather, the optimal location to store potatoes is somewhere dim and arid such as a cupboard or drawer in your kitchen to maintain their freshness for considerably longer.
Karen explained: “It’s a good idea to keep the potatoes as far from sunlight as possible. Too much light can trigger greening, tricking the tubers into producing chlorophyll.
“Greening makes potatoes bitter and high in solanine – a neurotoxin. Such potatoes are best avoided.
“It’s equally important to steer clear of places with high moisture to save your stock from sprouting and rotting. The solution? A dry, dark spot such as your basement, cellar, pantry, or an out-of-the-way kitchen nook.”
After you’ve identified the ideal location in your kitchen to maintain potato freshness, they should be removed from any plastic packaging and placed in a ventilated container to ensure adequate air circulation.
Karen explained: “Good ventilation is crucial for keeping your potato stash fresh for longer. Lack of airflow can cause potatoes to accumulate moisture and spoil quickly from the growth of mould and bacteria.”
Keeping potatoes in open paper bags, mesh bags or fabric bags will help safeguard the vegetables and prevent them from developing mould or sprouting. When potatoes are stored properly, they can remain fresh for two to three months beyond their usual lifespan, which can assist you in reducing food waste whilst saving money on your grocery bills.
