How to Preserve a Potato

With the proper process, potatoes can be preserved for months.

As the fall and winter seasons approach and the growing season comes to an end, the cultivation of vegetables takes a backseat to their preservation. Without the heat and intense sunlight of spring and summer, crops like potatoes stop growing and must be harvested and preserved for use in the agriculturally unproductive winter months. The preservation of potatoes is a multi-step process that begins with the hardening of their outer skin, ends with cold storage and sets them up to remain edible for a number of months after their harvest.

Instructions

1. Spread out newspaper in a cool, dark and well-ventilated area. The room should stay between 50 to 60 degrees.

2. Place your potatoes in the dark room on the newspaper you spread out. Let potatoes sit and toughen their skins for two weeks.

3. Clean the potatoes. After two weeks, the skins should be tough enough to endure cleaning. For cleaning, avoid water and simply rub off any dirt or debris. Any damaged or rotten potatoes should be removed from the bunch and discarded. Handle the potatoes with care and do not bruise them.

4. Place potatoes in well ventilated boxes or baskets. To prevent bruising, place the potatoes into the containers by hand.

5. Cover containers with newspaper to prevent light from entering.

6. Store your potatoes in an 35- to 40-degree Fahrenheit area for several months.

References

• Gardener's Supply Company: Keeper Crops