master-cooks | The Worst Places In Your Kitchen To Store Potatoes

Storing potatoes properly is essential to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible. One of the worst places to store potatoes is in the refrigerator. The cold temperature can cause the starches in potatoes to convert to sugar, altering their taste and texture and sometimes resulting in an undesirable sweetness. Another unsuitable location is near sources of heat, such as on top of the stove or next to the oven. The warmth can encourage sprouting and spoilage, significantly reducing their shelf life. Storing potatoes in direct sunlight is also a bad idea, as exposure to light can lead to the development of solanine, a toxic compound that can make the potatoes turn green and taste bitter. Keeping potatoes in sealed plastic bags can trap moisture, leading to mold and decay. Instead, they should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area, such as a pantry or a basement, preferably in a paper or mesh bag that allows air circulation. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from sprouting or rotting too quickly. Proper storage conditions are crucial to preserving the quality and flavor of potatoes.

Where and how to store potatoes

If you're puzzled by the numerous "don'ts" related to potato storage, take comfort in knowing there are indeed suitable places to store your potatoes. First, let's discuss temperature: The ideal range is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Following this along with other proper potato-storage practices can keep your potatoes fresh for two to three months. If you can't maintain these temperatures in your home or area, your raw potatoes can still last one to two weeks at room temperature, provided they are kept away from heat, light, and overcrowded conditions. Be sure not to purchase more potatoes than you can use within that time frame, and you should be fine.

If you have access to a cool, dark basement or an old-fashioned root cellar, those are the best places for storing your potatoes. If not, a chilly corner of a shed or garage might suffice. Otherwise, choose any room-temperature area that is away from heat, light, and poor air circulation, using an open paper or burlap bag, or a basket in a dark cupboard.

Just be cautious about storing them near other fruits or vegetables. Think of potatoes as solitary creatures; they tend to sprout more quickly when placed near onions, apples, and garlic due to the release of ethylene gas, a plant hormone that promotes ripening. So while a basket of potatoes, onions, and apples may look charming, it’s not an ideal arrangement for keeping your potatoes stable.

The Worst Places In Your Kitchen To Store Potatoes

Where and how to store potatoes

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