Preserving potatoes with sand
First, to preserve potatoes for a long time, we need to handle sand. Using dry sand in potato preservation is to reduce the evaporation of water from potatoes, avoid contamination from rotting between the potatoes. The sand used to ferment potatoes needs to be washed and dried. Before putting the potatoes in storage, line the bottom with straw or nylon to prevent moisture absorption from the bottom. Arrange a layer of tubers about 20 cm, then pour a layer of sand just enough to cover all the potatoes, then another layer of tubers, and another layer of sand. The fermentation block can be 1.5 m high, and the top is covered with a layer of sand to cover the tubers. To avoid potatoes contacting with light during storage, cover a layer of dark cardboard or nylon on top of the fermentation block.
Preserving potatoes in darkness and coolness
As we know, potatoes are grown underground, in a dark and cold environment. According to experts, the optimal temperature for potato preservation is 7 to 12.5 degrees Celsius, however, it is difficult to have this ideal condition when at home. Therefore, you can keep potatoes in the darkest and coolest place, avoiding exposure to sunlight (for example, under the basement, under the kitchen cabinet…).
Preserving potatoes in a basket or bag
One way to keep potatoes fresh is proper air circulation. Therefore, you can place potatoes in a basket or bag with good air circulation around. You know, most supermarkets pack potatoes in mesh bags, which is a very good preservation method, so don’t transfer potatoes to another sealed bag. If the potatoes you bought are not packed in mesh bags, you can put them in a box with good air circulation and place a newspaper between the layers of potatoes, according to information from Dan Tri.
Preserving potatoes by keeping them away from onions and other fruits
In addition to the effective methods above, you should immediately pocket the following tips to preserve potatoes. Do not store potatoes with onions and other fruits. According to research, potatoes should be preserved separately, away from onions, apples, bananas, and other fruits that produce ethylene gas. This gas will make potatoes age faster and cause them to sprout faster.
Eating potatoes regularly is good for your health.
Some signs of potatoes that should absolutely not be eaten to avoid “bringing diseases into the body”
– The skin of potatoes gradually turns green: Potatoes will become soft and slightly withered when the skin gradually turns green, this may be due to exposure to light. If the potatoes have only a little green, cut off the green part before cooking.
– Mushy potatoes: The flesh of the potatoes is soft and may have an odor, throw them away immediately.
– Sprouted potatoes: According to Tien Phong newspaper, recently people have been wondering whether to use or discard sprouted potatoes. The sprouts of potatoes contain a lot of solanine and chaconine. These are two types of glycoalkaloids (glycoalkaloids are toxic chemical compounds that can be found in the leaves, stems, and sprouts of potatoes if left for a long time). Eating glycoalkaloids will cause you to have convulsions, diarrhea, headaches, and even fainting or death. Green potatoes are harmful to the nervous system: Scientists advise you to discard potatoes that are green and sprouted as they can be harmful to the nervous system. Sprouting happens faster when potatoes are inorganic and not chemically treated.
Note: Storing potatoes in the refrigerator is forbidden. This causes the starch content in potatoes to convert to sugar, changing the properties of the potatoes when cooked.
If you want to use the freezer for long-term preservation, the advice for you is to cut the potatoes into small pieces, blanch them before putting them in the freezer. Also, make sure the potatoes are completely dry before putting them in the freezer.
When you see green skin and soft potatoes, you should not eat them.
The benefits of potatoes for health
Enhancing immune system
Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps prevent many diseases from scurvy (with symptoms such as bleeding gums, slow wound healing, wide purple spots on the skin, susceptibility to infection, irritability, and depression) to common cold. In particular, a medium-sized potato contains about 45% of the daily vitamin C requirement for the body.
Treating gastric ulcers
In a study, scientists at the University of Manchester (UK) found that potatoes contain unique antimicrobial molecules that can help treat gastric ulcers and prevent the growth of bacteria residing in the stomach, which is the cause of gastric ulcers and heartburn. Therefore, people can supplement them into the body daily as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Anti-cancer properties
A medium-sized potato of 148g contains about 26g of carbohydrate and the main form of this substance is starch. This starch is considered a physiological effect and beneficial for our health. Similar to fiber, which is an anti-colon cancer substance. With the benefits of potatoes, you can explore and add potatoes to your daily menu to combat these diseases.
Weight loss
Potatoes are considered a low-fat food, rich in fiber, so they are often suggested in a diet for people planning to lose weight. They fill the stomach, making the body feel full for a long time.
According to Nguoiduatin.vn