Potatoes are a staple item in most UK households, serving as a tasty side dish to complement many a meal. The best thing about potatoes is their versatility – they can be boiled, fried, roasted, mashed or baked, helping to bring a great deal of variety to meals. They can also last for several months if stored correctly too, which helps to save on both money and trips to the shop. To help make your potatoes last longer before they start sprouting, experts say it’s important to do one thing before you store them away and that’s simply to remove them from the plastic bag.
Most supermarkets sell potatoes in big plastic bags and while this can be more cost effective by allowing you to buy a lot in one go, it’s not actually great for keeping them fresh.
Plastic bags can trap moisture as they don’t allow for proper air circulation, so as this moisture builds up inside it can create a damp environment that promotes spoilage and sprouting.
So while they may be packed like this in supermarkets, it’s best to take them out once you get home and transfer them into either a paper or mesh bag, or basket instead.
These items all allow better airflow which helps to regulate moisture and will help to keep your potatoes fresher for longer, without sprouting.
Fine Dining Lovers says: “If your potatoes come in a plastic bag, don’t be tempted to keep them sealed inside for freshness. In fact, plastic bags can trap moisture, creating a damp environment where the potatoes are likely to spoil more quickly, so your best bet is to take them out and store them somewhere else.
“A paper bag, a small hessian sack or a basket are all good options that allow plenty of air circulation.”
Once you’ve transferred the potatoes into a breathable bag or basket, this should then be placed in a cool, dark and dry place like the pantry or a cupboard, away from onions and other fruits that release ethylene gas, as this can accelerate sprouting.
Potatoes start to sprout when they’re exposed to warmth and light, so by keeping them in a place that’s cool and dry you can effectively slow down the sprouting process.
Tesco adds: “Your spuds need air circulation, so don’t suffocate them in a plastic bag. They’re best kept in a mesh or paper bag. It’s also crucial that potatoes are stored away from other fresh produce, particularly onions, as they release ethylene gas. This means that your fruits and veggies will ripen one another too quickly, so your potatoes should be stored separately to stop this.
“Potatoes must be kept in a cool dark place, otherwise the light will cause them to photosynthesize and – you guessed it – sprout. Plus, the temperature must be below 10°C.
“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: a porch cupboard or garden shed are all great options, and there’s always the fridge (if you’ve got the space).”
