Here's how to keep potatoes fresh for a month
In Januworry, we're all making the most of what's in our cupboards.
Potatoes are a staple food in many households. From hearty stews to crispy chips, they’re a versatile ingredient in countless meals.
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As the new year begins, many families face financial challenges, often stretching their resources until payday. Properly storing potatoes can help make them last longer, reducing waste and saving money.
While potatoes have a relatively long shelf life, improper storage can cause them to spoil. Sprouted potatoes might seem amusing at first glance, but they lose flavour and texture over time.
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To help you keep your potatoes fresh for up to a month, food experts recommend the following tips:
Avoid plastic bags: Store potatoes in a basket, paper, or mesh bag to allow air to circulate.
Choose the right spot: Keep them in a cool, dark place – accessible but not exposed to light. Potatoes should also be stored at between 7 and 10°C.
Separate from other produce: Keep potatoes away from onions and other fresh produce that release ethylene gas, which accelerates ripening.
Skip the water: Brush off dirt instead of washing potatoes before storing them – moisture encourages sprouting.
Use newspaper: Put potatoes on a sheet of newspaper to absorb moisture.
Green parts of potatoes will taste bitter and are unsafe to eat, so discard any potatoes with green areas that are widespread or extend deeper than the skin, she says. If the green areas are small and don't go beneath the skin, you can remove them and safely eat the remaining potato.
Avoid eating potatoes with wrinkled skin or soft flesh, as these signs indicate they’re past their prime.
And remember, never store potatoes in the fridge! Not only will they spoil faster, but the starches will convert to sugars.
This will cause the spuds to develop a dark discoloration when cooked. They'll also produce higher levels of acrylamide, a carcinogenic substance, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
And there you have – the right way to look after your tasty spuds.
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