Potatoes are a versatile ingredient, but keeping them fresh can be a challenge. However, there’s a certain place in your home where they can stay fresh for up to five months
Potatoes are a fundamental ingredient in many British kitchens. Whether it’s crafting crispy, golden chips akin to French fries, or serving up a plate of flawlessly roasted potatoes with a Sunday roast, the versatility of potatoes is endless. However, while cooking them might be straightforward, keeping them fresh can often pose a challenge.
Discovering that your potatoes have turned soft and begun sprouting when you reach into the pack can quickly derail dinner plans. But, when stored correctly, potatoes can remain fresh for up to five months. While there are numerous suggestions on how to store them, including expert-approved fridge storage, finding spare room in the kitchen can sometimes be problematic.
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Therefore, considering other areas in the house where they could be stored for several months might be beneficial. Before you start searching for suitable spots, it’s crucial to first remove the potatoes from the plastic packaging they’re typically sold in.
Plastic should be avoided at all costs if you’re aiming to prolong the freshness of your potatoes, reports the Express. Instead, opt for a more breathable material like a paper bag, or if you have a large quantity of potatoes, a cardboard box with holes.
Plastic is infamous for trapping moisture, which can hasten spoilage in potatoes and cause them to sprout within a few weeks.
Once you’ve relocated them, if you’re lacking kitchen storage, a slightly unconventional location endorsed by a gardening expert can keep potatoes fresh for up to four months.
Gardening expert Randy Lemmon revealed on his website that the optimal storage environment for potatoes is cool, dark and well-ventilated to prevent mould.
Contrary to traditional kitchen storage, Randy proposes utilising your spare room by storing them under an unused bed in shallow boxes.
An unoccupied bed serves as an ideal storage spot, ensuring consistent airflow and shielding potatoes from light and other produce like onions, which emit gases that can cause spoilage.
While they can be stored for up to four months in this manner, it’s crucial to periodically check for any sprouting or green patches. Discard any spoiled potatoes from the box to maintain the freshness of the remaining ones.