How to Keep Potatoes Fresh for Longer (2024)

FAQs

How to Keep Potatoes Fresh for Longer? ›

The key is to store potatoes in a cool dry place, like in the cabinet of a pantry, in a paper bag or cardboard box. It's important to keep potatoes at the cool, ideal temperature (but not, surprisingly, the fridge) to prevent them from turning green, getting soft spots, or pre-maturely sprouting.

Put your potatoes in paper or mesh bags, baskets or even a cardboard box. Whatever you decide to store them in, make sure it has good ventilation.

Storage Conditions A dark place that is 38-42 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 - 90 percent humidity is perfect.

Potatoes can be stored in perforated plastic bags to maintain proper humidity levels. Home storage options include a designated refrigerator between 40-46 degrees, insulated garage or cool basem*nt. Storage temperatures below 38 degrees can cause sugar buildup or sweetening, according to Noordijk.

Continuing on from the FSA guidance, it's suggested that both are equally ok — it's down to your preference and space in the fridge. However, if you're looking to preserve your spuds a bit longer, the advice suggests that the fridge is a great way to avoid any food waste.

No plastic bags

In fact, plastic bags can trap moisture, creating a damp environment where the potatoes are likely to spoil more quickly, so your best bet is to take them out and store them somewhere else. A paper bag, a small hessian sack or a basket are all good options that allow plenty of air circulation.

Although you shouldn't put potatoes in the fridge, potatoes will still keep the longest when stored in a cool, dark place—specifically somewhere that has a cold temperature of about 50°F and 90 to 95 percent humidity, like, you know, a temperature- and humidity-controlled root cellar.

Knowing the best ways to store potatoes can extend their shelf life and reduce food waste. Store uncooked potatoes in a cool, dark place with plenty of air circulation — not in the refrigerator. Prevent cut and peeled slices from browning by covering them with water or vacuum sealing.

Potatoes are best kept around 45 to 50 degrees, which means they shouldn't be stored in the fridge or freezer. The best place to store them for maximum shelf life is a cool basem*nt or garage—as long as it's dry.

Keep potatoes in a cool, dark, dry place.

The 45°F to 55°F temperature range is the sweet spot for potato storage, where they can last for months. At warmer or more humid temperatures, they have a tendency to start sprouting or going bad.

How did they store potatoes in the old days? ›

Before 1910, the crops were stored in barns or root cellars, but, by the 1920s, potato cellars or barns came into use.

You absolutely can freeze potatoes, and you should if you have an excess of spuds. But there's one important thing to remember: You should really only freeze cooked or partially cooked potatoes, as raw potatoes contain a lot of water. This water freezes and, when thawed, makes the potatoes mushy and grainy.

Don't wash your potatoes before you store them. The dampness can cause them to spoil faster. If you grow your own potatoes, gently knock the dirt off after you pick them and store them dry. Wash the potatoes well when you're ready to cook them.

Where should I store them? You need to keep your potatoes in a dry, dark place. Exposure to light or moisture can bring on rotting in the skin. You'll also need to allow your spuds to be well-ventilated so avoid any airtight containers or spots – a netted bag or wicker basket should do the trick.

Most of our varieties will easily last 6 months or more under proper storage conditions, such as in a cool, dark basem*nt. For the longest storage, we recommend: Red Chieftain, Yukon Gold, Burbank Russet, German Butterball, Yukon Gem, Rose Finn Apple Fingerling and Russian Banana Fingerling.

A Final Word On Potato Storage

The Food and Drug Administration's food storage guidance is clear: Store potatoes outside the refrigerator, ideally in a dark, cool place, such as a pantry, to prevent sprouting.

Potatoes are best kept around 45 to 50 degrees, which means they shouldn't be stored in the fridge or freezer. The best place to store them for maximum shelf life is a cool basem*nt or garage—as long as it's dry.

Potatoes need airflow to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can lead to spoilage. The best way to allow free circulation of air is to store them in an open bowl or paper bag. Do not store them in a sealed container without ventilation, such as a zipped plastic bag or lidded glassware.

All you need to store them so they'll stay fresh longer is a cardboard box, a paper or mesh bag, or a basket. Your potatoes will last four to six months when properly stored.

While it is possible to purchase ready-made potato towers or special growing bags, any opaque container with drainage holes will do, including barrels, garbage bins, plastic storage tubs and chimney flues. An ideal container will be about 2-3 feet tall with a 10-15 gallon capacity.