Potatoes, also known as potatoes, are a common household food. If these foods are not stored properly, they can quickly sprout and produce toxins, making them inedible. However, if stored correctly, they can last up to 6 months without spoiling. A supermarket in the UK has shared the correct way to store potatoes, hoping to be helpful to people.
According to Tesco, a major chain supermarket in the UK, potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables. If you know how to store potatoes correctly, their shelf life can last for several months without issues like sprouting, turning green, or wrinkling.
The supermarket says that by following a few simple steps, you can keep potatoes as fresh as the day you purchased them, with a maximum storage period of 6 months:
– Potatoes must be stored in a cool, dark place with a temperature lower than 10 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, light will cause them to undergo photosynthesis and sprout. The supermarket recommends storing potatoes in a pantry cupboard or a shed in the garden.
– Potatoes need air circulation, so do not put them in plastic bags, as they will suffocate. It’s best to store them in a mesh or paper bag.
– Importantly, do not wash potatoes before preparing to eat them, as this will increase moisture and promote sprouting.
– Equally important, potatoes should be stored separately from other fresh produce, especially onions, as they release ethylene gas. Ethylene gas speeds up the ripening of vegetables and fruits, shortening their shelf life.
– Check every few weeks to ensure that this batch of potatoes has not sprouted or gone bad to avoid wasting your efforts.
The supermarket lists several signs of potatoes going bad:
– Turning green: Potatoes exposed to light will turn green. The green part contains toxins and cannot be safely eaten. However, if you ensure to thoroughly remove it before cooking, the rest of the potato is edible.
– Softening skin: If the skin of a potato starts to sag and the flesh feels soft (or damp to the touch), it’s a clear sign that the potato has passed its prime.
– Having a bad odor: Fresh potatoes should smell like the earth they grew in, but spoiled potatoes will have a moldy odor.
To reduce leftovers or waste, do not buy too many potatoes at once, ensuring they can all be cooked. In case you can’t finish them, you can freeze them in the refrigerator and take them out to eat when needed.
Freezing cooked potatoes will not have a negative impact on the taste or texture of the dish. In some cases, this can even enhance the delicious crispy texture of potatoes.
It is important to note that raw potatoes should never be frozen. Potatoes contain a lot of water, and when thawed, they will have a mushy or granular texture, not suitable for dishes like hash browns.