Potatoes won't sprout or turn mushy if kept in one key place
Potatoes won't sprout or turn mushy if kept in one key place
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Potatoes are the ultimate winter comfort food from creamy mash to crispy roasties. But are you storing them right?. If you’re putting them in the fridge or leaving them on the countertop, you could be making a big mistake. Cynthia Ryan, founder of Simply by Cynthia, has shared the best way to keep your spuds fresh for months. She says: “Never, ever store raw potatoes in the refrigerator. The colder temperatures in the fridge convert the starch to sugar, and alters the taste and texture.” The first rule of keeping your potatoes at their best is not to put them in the fridge, Express reports.
Instead, potatoes should be stored in a “dark, cool-ish and well-ventilated area.” Cynthia uses hanging mesh bags in her pantry for her potatoes a simple, space efficient solution that keeps them fresh and free from the damage caused by storing them incorrectly. The mesh allows for airflow, keeping the potatoes dry and helping them last longer.
Many people think the countertop is a good option, but that’s another mistake. Potatoes need to be kept away from both sunlight and artificial light. Light triggers the production of chlorophyll, which makes potatoes turn green. This not only affects the taste but also leads to the production of solanine - which is toxic and not something you want to be eating.
The best places to store potatoes are dark, dry spots with consistent temperatures like a cupboard, pantry, or drawer. Just avoid places with fluctuating temperatures or areas that are open to pests like fruit flies or mice. Keeping them in an area with too much humidity can also lead to mold or rot. When it comes to storage containers, Cynthia recommends mesh bags, baskets, or even paper bags. “Plastic traps moisture and can cause the potatoes to rot,” she warns. So ditch the plastic bags, and go for something breathable that allows air to circulate around your potatoes.
