Potatoes are a versatile vegetable that serve as a nice side to most meals. Think mashed potatoes, chips, tater tots, or hash browns. You’ll notice that your potatoes seem to be going bad quicker than the rest of your vegetables. This is because they require specific storage requirements.
Best conditions to store potatoes in to make them last longer
It’s known to not put potatoes in a fridge when storing, but it appears the best place to stow potatoes is also in a cool environment that’s dark. Preferably a basement or garage. The temperature should be about 10 degrees Celsius with 90 to 95 percent humidity, says Food52.com. This will keep your potatoes fresh for weeks, and stop them going soft.
What to store potatoes in to keep them fresh
What you store your potatoes in is crucial as well. Make sure your potatoes have enough airflow. Never store them in a place where they can’t receive any, as this is why they come in bags with mesh holes when you purchase them.
Previously, a rheumatologist and health and wellness blogger Dr. Erin Carter shared her way of ensuring that your potatoes stay fresh for several months with a method that lets the spuds receive the air that they require to thrive.
READ MORE: Stop potatoes going mouldy and preserve them ‘for a year’ with genius food storage hack
In a social media upload, she said: “Are your potatoes sprouting or going bad before you even have a chance to use them? 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.”
Storage hack that will keep potatoes fresh for months
Step 1: Instead of keeping your potatoes in a plastic bag, grab a paper bag. Move all your potatoes into your paper bag.
Step 2: The magic behind this working is adding an apple to the bag. Dr. Carter said: “I know it sounds crazy, just trust me.”
Step 3: Put the apple in with the potatoes and then move the potatoes to a cool, dark place as stated earlier. Dr. Carter opts to keep hers in the basement.
Step 4: Be sure to keep your bag open, because if you close it, the potatoes will go rotten more quickly, says the expert. It is pertinent that your potatoes have enough airflow in order for them to last for some time.
