How to Keep Potatoes Fresh for Longer (2024)

FAQs

How to Keep Potatoes Fresh for Longer? ›

Keep potatoes in a cool, dark, dry place.

Keep them in a cool, dark and dry place: Potatoes should not be exposed to direct light, as this can lead to them turning green and producing a toxic substance known as solanine. To avoid this, store potatoes in a dark place with a temperature range of 43-50°F or cover them with a cloth or paper bag.

Storing at temperatures slightly above refrigeration is a great way to extend shelf life and maintain vitamin C content. Storing potatoes in a cool place helps slow their rate of sprouting and maintains their vitamin C content.

It's best to store your leftover potatoes in a shallow container such as a GladWare® Container or a Glad® Freezer Zipper Gallon Bag. Your potatoes will last for 3 to 5 days if stored properly.

Our handy hessian and paper bags are great for storing your potatoes and other vegetables at harvest. They allow airflow which helps to keep the produce in the right conditions. Once you have harvested your potatoes can be stored in these bags, which allow airflow.

Potatoes store longest if they are unwashed. After harvesting from the garden, lay them out in a single layer in a dark and airy place to let the soil dry on to the tuber. Lightly brush off excess dirt before you pack them. Pile dry, unwashed potatoes in a clean wooden or waxed cardboard bin.

Store potatoes away from heat and light:

Because light, heat, and humidity can make your spuds sprout faster, it's best to keep your potatoes in a cool, dry, dark place. Good options include the pantry or in a drawer, as opposed to on the counter or on a windowsill where daylight can have an effect.

No plastic bags

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.

Whatever you do, don't store potatoes in a sealed container! Avoid closed containers like resealable plastic bags or airtight storage containers—they'll trap moisture and will cause the potatoes to mold, sprout, or spoil faster.

A plastic basket with open weaving (something like a small laundry basket) makes a great storage bin for potatoes. Just make sure you place the basket in a dark place, like a closet or pantry. It's also important not to wash potatoes prior to storing them. You can wipe them off with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Where is the best place to store a bag of potatoes? ›

Keep Potatoes in a Cool and Dry Environment

As previously explained, potatoes should be placed in a cardboard box, mesh bag, or basket to ensure good ventilation. Store your potatoes in a cool, dark place (45 to 50 F is the ideal temperature range), such as your pantry or unheated basem*nt.

Never store potatoes in a plastic bag or airtight container, because they will trap air and gas around the potatoes, encouraging them to spoil. 3. Store them at room temperature. Raw potatoes like cold temperatures, but they should be stored at room temperature.

You absolutely can freeze potatoes, and you should if you have an excess of spuds. But there's one important thing to remember: You should really only freeze cooked or partially cooked potatoes, as raw potatoes contain a lot of water. This water freezes and, when thawed, makes the potatoes mushy and grainy.

To keep tubers from turning green, avoid exposing them to light. When purchasing potato tubers, check for green coloring before purchasing them. You can prevent potatoes from turning green by storing them in a cool, dark area with good air circulation and high humidity.

Store your potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place until use. The optimum storage is 45-55 degrees F. Avoid storing potatoes where the temperature may change frequently, such as next to appliances or under the sink, or in direct sunlight, such as countertops.

Put the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper in a dark place – it's important they don't touch, as air needs to circulate between the spuds. Leave your potatoes here for a couple of weeks. Store in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place below 10°C.

Potatoes can be stored in perforated plastic bags to maintain proper humidity levels. Home storage options include a designated refrigerator between 40-46 degrees, insulated garage or cool basem*nt. Storage temperatures below 38 degrees can cause sugar buildup or sweetening, according to Noordijk.