Directions for Storing Potatoes

Sprouts can be removed from a potato with a knife.

Properly stored, potatoes can remain fresh at home for two to three months. Made up of 80 percent water, these tubers often require particular care. Temperature can play an important role, as potatoes tend to sprout in warmer temperatures and cold temperatures frequently cause them to become sweet and brown when fried. If stored in direct sunlight, potatoes often sprout or turn green, and sealed plastic containers can cause them to wither by depriving the potatoes of oxygen. A cool, dark place is ideal.

Things You'll Need

• Potatoes
• Paper bag
• Basket
• Cotton kitchen towel

Instructions

1. Avoid rinsing potatoes before storing. Make sure the potatoes are completely dry to prevent mold.

2. Place potatoes in a paper bag with holes in it or a basket loosely covered with a cotton kitchen towel. This will prevent exposure to sunlight and allow for proper air circulation.

3. Store in a dark, cool location such as an attic, basement or root cellar. The ideal temperature is 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Check on potatoes every few days. Remove potatoes that have shriveled or sprouted. Discard the sprouted potatoes or remove sprouts and use immediately.

5. Store potatoes for two to three months. Ideally, potatoes should be used within a few weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not store potatoes with onions; together they produce harmful gases that spoil both of them.

• Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, as they will develop an unwanted sweet flavor and will brown when cooked.

• Raw potatoes do not freeze well; to freeze potatoes, boil, mash, and store in an air-tight container.

References

• Potato Pro: How to Store Potatoes at Home
• All About Potatoes: Storing Potatoes in Your Kitchen
• Still Tasty: How Long Can You Keep Potatoes