What is the best way to store potatoes? Now Answered

Potatoes have been consumed for over 10,000 years and are a staple in many civilizations. In addition to being high in potassium, they are also high in carbohydrates and fiber.

These delectable tubers can be served in a variety of ways, but the most common are baked, boiled, roasted, fried, or dried. Proper storage might help to increase their shelf life and save waste.

Storing Potatoes in a Cool Place

The temperature in which potatoes are stored has a considerable influence on how long they will last. Raw potatoes may be kept for months in potato storage container without rotting if refrigerated at 43–50°F (6–10°C) (3).

This temperature range is slightly warmer than refrigeration and is commonly found in cool cellars, basements, garages, and sheds.

Storing potatoes in these circumstances can assist to postpone the production of sprouts on the skin, which is one of the earliest indicators of deterioration.

In fact, one research discovered that keeping potatoes in low temperatures more than doubled their shelf life when compared to room temperature storage.

Lowering the temperature of storage also helps to retain the vitamin C content.

According to research, potatoes stored at low temperatures retain up to 90% of their vitamin C content for four months, but potatoes stored at higher room temperatures lose over 20% of their vitamin C after one month.

Storing at slightly higher temperatures than refrigeration is an excellent strategy to improve shelf life and preserve vitamin C content.

Keep Away From Light

Potato skins may develop chlorophyll and turn an unappealing green hue when exposed to sunlight or fluorescent light. While the chlorophyll that renders skin green is innocuous, sun exposure may create excessive levels of solanine, a deadly toxin.

Because of their elevated solanine levels, many people toss green potatoes. People who are sensitive to solanine have a bitter taste and a burning feeling in their mouths or throats.

When ingested in large numbers, solanine is hazardous to humans and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A few deaths have also been recorded.

However, because many nations have legal rules limiting the quantity of solanine in commercial potatoes to less than 91 mg per pound (200 mg/kg), this is not a widespread worry.

Solanine is nearly entirely found in the peel and the first 1/8th inch (3.2 mm) of flesh. Most of it can be removed by shaving the skin and underlying green flesh.

Read also: Can You Store Potatoes In A Wooden Box?

Don’t Store Raw Potatoes in the Fridge or Freezer

Refrigeration and freezing are not recommended for potato storage since they are too cold. Cold-induced sweetening can occur at extremely low temperatures. This occurs when some starch is converted to reducing sugars.

When fried or subjected to extremely high cooking temperatures, reducing sugars can produce carcinogenic chemicals known as acrylamides, therefore it’s better to keep levels low.

In addition, uncooked potatoes should never be frozen.

When exposed to freezing temperatures, the water inside potatoes swells and crystallizes, causing the cell wall structures to break down. When defrosted, they become mushy and useless.

When raw potatoes are exposed to air in the freezer, they might become brown. This is due to the fact that the enzymes that promote browning remain active in the potato even at freezing temperatures.

Once fully or partially cooked, they can be frozen since the cooking process deactivates the browning enzymes and prevents them from discoloring.

Tips for Selecting the Best Potatoes

Potatoes will survive the longest if they are purchased fresh and in good condition.

Look for the following criteria before making your choice:

  1. Soft potatoes have already started to decay, so look for firm, brilliant features.
  2. Smooth skin: Cold temperatures can cause pitted skin and dark cores in potatoes, so seek for smooth textures.
  3. Free of bruising or injuries: Potatoes can sometimes be damaged during harvest or transportation. Avoid those with evident damage since they will spoil faster.
  4. Sprouts are one of the earliest signs of deterioration, so avoid buying any that have already sprouted.

Conclusion

Knowing how to store potatoes properly can help to increase their shelf life and decrease food waste. Uncooked potatoes should be stored in a cold, dark room with lots of air movement, not in the refrigerator.

Cover sliced and peeled slices with water or vacuum seal to keep them from browning.

Cooked potatoes can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to one year in an airtight container.

Cure fresh potatoes temporarily at higher temperatures and high humidity before storing them for lengthy periods of time.

Potatoes will stay longer if they are fresh and healthy when acquired, regardless of storage technique, so seek for firm, smooth, blemish-free tubers with no symptoms of sprouting.