5 hours Ago By Phoebe Cornish
Whether you like them boiled, mashed , roasted , wedged, or sliced, potatoes are a British staple, and storing them correctly means they last even longer at home. Left in the plastic bags they are often packaged in, potatoes can sprout and turn green before you can eat them. However, this can be easily avoided by following some simple food storage advice.
The Food Standards Agency's latest guidance suggests that potatoes should be stored in the fridge or a cool, dry spot. Previously, experts warned against refrigerating potatoes due to health concerns, with studies linking low-temperature storage to increased levels of Acrylamide, a chemical tied to cancer risks . But now, you will find a nifty chilled symbol on your potato bags, hinting that the fridge is a fine place for them after purchase.
The same rules apply for fridge storage: give potatoes enough space to avoid bruising and keep them away from watery produce. A Money Saving Expert Forum member suggests using two separate salad boxes in the fridge — one for potatoes and other root veg, and the other for peppers, tomatoes, lemon, limes and soft veggies. They noted: "I take them out of any plastic bags or wrapping and put a layer of kitchen roll in the bottom to absorb any wetness.
" A second forum member shared: "I store mine in the fridge in a paper bag and they last a bit longer than in the plastic bag they come in." A cool, dry spot is just as effective for long-term storage, notes a food expert at The Kitchn. "If you have a dark, cool closet away from the heat of the kitchen, store them there", they said.
Your pantry or a cabinet will work too, as long as the temperature is consistently below 10C. Wherever you choose to keep potatoes, ensure they are well away from stoves and heating vents. Taking spuds out of the plastic bag and putting them in a basket or breathable cotton sack is always recommended.
Also, make sure they are bone dry before storing long-term. "Damp potatoes will rot or sprout faster", warns The Kitchn. Tesco explains that darkness is optimal for storing potatoes as light will cause them to photosynthesise and sprout.
Tesco also noted: "It's also crucial that potatoes are stored away from other fresh produce, particularly onions, as they release ethylene gas. "This means that your fruits and veggies will ripen one another too quickly, so your potatoes should be stored separately to stop this." According to Tesco, "curing" healthy, unsprouted potatoes can extend their life for six months.
.
