How to Store Raw Potatoes
Raw potatoes have a relatively short lifespan at room temperature, as you may have discovered if you have ever pulled a potato out of a drawer only to find it sprouting from several of its eyes. According to StillTasty.com, potatoes stay good for only one to two weeks at room temperature. With proper care, however, you can keep potatoes good for up to three months without resorting to freezing them, which involves cooking and preparing the potatoes first. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Sort through the potatoes you wish to store. Set aside any that shows signs of damage, such as discoloration, bruises, cuts or gashes. You can discard these or cut out the damaged areas and use them immediately. Do not, however, store them with the rest of your potatoes.
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Put the potatoes into a brown paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over loosely; do not try to completely seal the bag or make it airtight. Alternatively, you may put the potatoes into a box or basket instead. If you go this route, cover the box or basket lightly. Again, do not try to make the container airtight. The potatoes need air circulation to stay fresh.
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Store the bag, box or basket in a cool, dark place. Ideally, the temperature in this place should stay between 42 F and 50 F. Also, do not put them in an area that does not get frequent doses of fresh air; potatoes do better when they have air that does not stagnate.
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Use the potatoes within two to three months of storing them. If you try to keep them for longer than this, they may go bad despite all of your care and precautions.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not store potatoes and onions with or near each other. They react together, causing both to go bad more quickly than they would have if stored alone.
Do not wash the potatoes before storing them. This will make them damp, which in turn will cause them to rot more quickly.
References
- Photo Credit potatoes image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
