How to Store Potatoes at Home

After the potatoes have been picked, they are stored for a number of weeks. Thereafter, they enter the period of dormancy. When this period ends, the potatoes start to sprout. It is during the dormant period that potatoes are brought to the market, to be sold. The dormancy period of the potatoes has been known to last from one to, as many as, eight weeks. However, the lasting time of the potatoes depends upon the conditions in which they have been stored. Though it is a usual rule that potatoes should be stocked at a lower temperature, there are a number of tips that should be followed to ensure that they are stored properly. Read on to know how to store potatoes at home.

Storing Guide for Potatoes

We have provided the best ways in which potatoes can be stored at home and made to last a long time, without becoming sweet, turning green or sprouting.

Before storing the potatoes, put them in a paper bag with holes in it. Avoid using plastic bags, as they tend to increases condensation and thus, lead to development of mold.
Potatoes should always be stored at a place which is cool, dark and has lots of ventilation. One of the best options is to store the potatoes in a root cellar.
Avoid storing the potatoes in a pantry, as it may lead to their sprouting and dehydration.
Potatoes should not be in the refrigerator, especially below a temperature of 7 deg C. This is because below this temperature they develop a sweet taste and get darkened when they are cooked.
The ideal temperature at which potatoes should be stored is somewhere around 7- 10 deg C.
Never ever store potatoes along with onions. When the two of them are put together, they produce certain gases that spoil both of them.
Mature potatoes should not be stored for more than 2 months, while the new ones should be consumed within 1 week.
Sweet potatoes should be stored for a maximum period of one week only, since they are very delicate.
Never ever keep the potatoes in direct sunlight. Infact, keep them away from prolonged exposure to light. If exposed to light for too long, they become green, develop a bitter taste and might become toxic.
Keep on checking the stored potatoes every few days. The moment you see a soft, shriveled or sprouted potato, remove it from the storage area.

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