Potatoes are a staple for many households thanks in no small part to their versatility. Yet, sometimes it can feel like the spuds start to sprout fairly quickly and even though they are still safe to eat, it can cause them lose their flavour. Fortunately, Tesco has revealed a few tips on not only how to stop potatoes from sprouting but also how to keep the fresh for up to six months.
The supermarket giant provided inside knowledge on all things potatoes, including the ones for long-term storage, how to store them, and how best to use them when they’re ready. Thanks to just a few steps, Brits will no longer have to experience spuds that are ruined just a few weeks after a big shop.
The first thing Tesco noted is that potatoes need air circulation, “so don’t suffocate them in a plastic bag”. However, when it comes to extending their lifespan from weeks to a long six months it all comes down to curing.
Curing is a post-harvest technqiue used to extend the shelf life and enhance the flavour of a food, and according to Tesco, it can be done in four steps for your potatoes.
“You’ll want bulky potatoes with a thick skin, like brown potatoes, but these must have no large puncture marks, soft spots, mould, blemishes, or shovel damage,” says the supermarket.
Next, you want to get rid of the dirt, but it is important you do this by brushing it offer rather than washing the potatoes “as this adds moisture that can encourage them to sprout”.
Once that is done, place the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper in a dark place, ensuring they do not touch to allow air circulation between them, and them them there for a couple of weeks.
The spuds should be stored in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place, specifically below 10C and Tesco advises that the potatoes are checked on every few weeks to make sure none have sprouted or become spoiled.
Tesco also informed of the signs to look out for that to know whether potatoes have gone bad including if they have turned green. “Potatoes go green when exposed to light. The green bit contains toxins, so is not safe to eat: however, if you ensure it’s thoroughly removed before cooking, the rest of the spud is edible,” Tesco explained.
Soft patches and a bad smell are the two other key indicators of bad potatoes.
