The Magic Sprinkle: Keep Potatoes Fresh and Green-Free for a Year

It turns out that storing potatoes is incredibly easy. With just a sprinkle of salt or a few other simple methods, potatoes can retain their freshness without wilting or sprouting for an entire year. This is especially useful as autumn approaches and many people start stockpiling potatoes for the coming months. If you don’t know the correct way to store potatoes, give these methods a try!

Typically, potatoes tend to sprout, turn green, and shrivel up just a few days after purchase if not stored properly. When potatoes sprout, they release toxic compounds, which can be harmful to your health if consumed. Thus, it’s essential to know how to store potatoes to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration or sprouting for extended periods.

So, what’s the secret to preventing potato deterioration?

First, let’s talk about potato storage. The primary advice is to buy only the amount you need for a few meals. If you purchase a small quantity, you can use them up before they have a chance to go bad. However, to avoid potatoes turning green or sprouting, here’s a nifty trick: use a black plastic bag to store your potatoes. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag tightly.

When potatoes are kept in the dark, they won’t turn green. By storing potatoes in a black plastic bag and placing it in a cool, well-ventilated area, you can maintain their freshness for about two weeks. The bag will retain moisture for the potatoes while protecting them from sunlight, preventing discoloration.

Additionally, you can store potatoes with apples. Place an apple in the bag of potatoes, as apples release ethylene gas, which helps prevent sprouting. Then, seal the bag tightly, and squeeze out the air. This method can keep potatoes fresh for up to a month without sprouting or turning green.

The third way to store potatoes is by using plastic wrap. If you’ve bought a large quantity of potatoes and need to keep them for one or two months, wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a black plastic bag. This method prevents direct air contact with the potatoes, retaining moisture and preventing deterioration. Keep the bag in a cool place, and the potatoes should stay fresh for two to three months.

You can also put the individually wrapped potatoes in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They will remain fresh and problem-free for two to three months.

The fourth method for storing potatoes involves using a cardboard box, which is ideal for families in colder regions during winter. Today, I’ll guide you through the process step by step.

First, you’ll need a cardboard box, which can be a recycled delivery box. The box size will depend on the quantity of potatoes you wish to store. Next, prepare some newspaper or toilet paper to line the box. The newspaper helps absorb moisture, preventing the potatoes from becoming moldy.

Then, spread a layer of dried tea leaves over the newspaper. Tea leaves absorb moisture and eliminate odors, ensuring the storage space remains dry and free from unpleasant smells. After spreading the tea leaves, add another layer of newspaper, and then start placing the potatoes in the box.

An important note when storing potatoes is to avoid washing off the soil from the surface of the potatoes. This layer of soil acts as a natural protective barrier. If you wash it off, the potatoes are more likely to spoil and are harder to store for extended periods. Additionally, if you spot any rotten potatoes, remove them immediately to prevent the decay from spreading to the others.