What’s the Best Way to Store Potatoes?

You get home from the grocery store and have all of your produce – each with a different storage method. Some get refrigerated, some stay sealed, you leave some on the counter, and some you just pray for. While we can’t speak for every fruit and vegetable, we have surefire tips on how to store potatoes to keep them fresher, longer. 

Keep ‘em cool.

The number one tip for long lasting potatoes is to store them in a cool, dry place like in your pantry or a cabinet. Got a cellar? Even better. But the key is to keep them around room temperature to prevent them from turning green or growing sprouts.

Give them some air.

Potatoes need air circulation to stay dry. Take them out of the plastic produce bag from the grocery store and put them in a basket or a paper bag. Do not put them in a sealed container. These trap moisture and make the potatoes spoil faster. 

Stay away from the light.

Try to keep them away from natural sunlight. This can cause the potatoes to turn a green color and become bitter. Even kitchen lights can accelerate this process. Remember that cellar we mentioned? Kidding – a kitchen cabinet will do just fine.

The fridge is too far.

Even though we said to keep your potatoes in a cool place – a fridge is too cold. It lowers their shelf life and can actually turn the starches into sugar. 

Keep them separated.

Try not to store them with your other produce – especially onions, apples, avocados and bananas. They produce ethylene gas which makes potatoes spoil faster and may encourage them to sprout.

Of course, the best way to ensure your potatoes last is to choose fresh spuds in the first place. Make the smarter choice by checking to see  if they are soft, bruised or sprouting before you buy them.