If you’re tired of your potatoes sprouting overnight, there’s a way to make them last longer – and it’s according to supermarket Tesco
Sometimes they appear to last indefinitely, whilst other times you discover your potatoes have mysteriously transformed into something resembling a horror film prop, sprouting peculiar growths that threaten to colonise your entire kitchen. That’s precisely why following one clever tip from supermarket giant Tesco could prove invaluable if you’re determined to keep your cherished spuds fresh for as long as possible.
Tesco claims to have discovered a storage method that will keep potatoes fresh for six months ‘as crisp as the day you purchased them’. The retailer’s guidance recommends ditching the plastic bag (the type potatoes are typically sold in) and transferring them to either a paper or mesh bag instead.
You’ll also need to keep them separate from other vegetables – particularly onions – and place them somewhere cool and dark, reports the Express.
Tesco explains: “A couple of weeks after the weekly shop, potatoes will start to sprout, shrivel, shrink, and soften, especially if kept in the wrong conditions.
However, follow our simple instructions, and you’ll make your potatoes last longer.
“Roasties all round!
“Your spuds need air circulation, so don’t suffocate them in a plastic bag. They’re best kept in a mesh or paper bag.
“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.
“Potatoes must be kept in a cool dark place, otherwise the light will cause them to photosynthesize and – you guessed it – sprout. Plus, the temperature must be below 10°C.
“So, if you want your spuds to stay in tip-top condition, we recommend popping them in a paper bag and stashing them away in a dark place of your choosing: a porch cupboard or garden shed are all great options, and there’s always the fridge (if you’ve got the space).”
Prior to placing them into storage, you can strengthen your potatoes by ‘curing’ them initially.
Tesco clarifies: “It’s important not to wash the potatoes, as this adds moisture that can encourage them to sprout. Instead, get rid of most of the dirt by brushing it off.
“Put the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper in a dark place – it’s important they don’t touch, as air needs to circulate between the spuds. Leave your potatoes here for a couple of weeks.”
Following this process, you can transfer them to your chosen dark, chilly storage location.