A woman has shared her simple trick for storing potatoes to stop them from sprouting, and said the method will help the starchy vegetable stay “fresh a lot longer”
A TikTok influencer has shared her ‘game-changing’ top tip for keeping potatoes “fresh a lot longer” than they would typically last. She warns that if you leave your spuds in the bag you bought them in at the supermarket, they could sprout within a week. “Don’t store them in a plastic bag,” Stephanie Booth Home advises – explaining that the trapped moisture causes potatoes to grow eyes.
Instead, she suggests storing potatoes correctly by ensuring there is “good air circulation” to prevent one rotten potato from spoiling the whole batch. Stephanie highly recommends using a wicker-like basket for storage as it provides good airflow. Other options could include a paper bag with the top left open or a mesh bag.
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The key here is to ensure good airflow to help prevent premature sprouting. When stored in a wicker-like basket, for example, the potatoes should be kept in the dark, away from both natural and artificial light.
Stephanie explains that exposure to light encourages the production of chlorophyll, which turns potatoes green, reports the Express.
“And don’t store these [potatoes] in the refrigerator,” Stephanie warns, explaining that this causes the starches to turn into reducing sugars.
Instead, she advises storing them at temperatures between 6C and 10C and keeping them away from garlic, onions, shallots, and any other fruits or vegetables that emit ethylene gas.
Storing potatoes next to fruits and vegetables that release ethylene gas will cause them to spoil much sooner, she adds.
“And one last tip,” said Stephanie. “Don’t store your potatoes in a cabinet next to your stove.” She further elaborated: “It’s too hot.”
Stephanie hopes her guidance will make a difference as she shared, “I hope these tips help,” with her tips earning approximately 6000 likes on the social media platform.
Black Crown commented: “Wow. I learned a lot. Thank you.” Meanwhile, Cynthia Maasch admitted, “Now that explains why my taters go bad. I have been leaving them in the bag.”
Mary Anne Demo expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “Love this kind of stuff, it’s probably something that I should know already, but just don’t think about it. Thanks for sharing!”