Potato can be used to process many delicious dishes such as mashed, grilled, fried, baked, soup, wine sauce… Because it is used quite often, many people often buy a large amount of potatoes to store in the house. One of the important principles in potato storage is to avoid light. But why do potatoes have to be kept in the dark is something not everyone understands.
Why do potatoes have to be kept in the dark?
If you want to prolong the storage time of potatoes and keep them from deteriorating for many months, you need to understand the main factors that affect the spoilage of potatoes, of which light is an extremely important factor.
Potatoes always contain a certain amount of solanine – a substance that can cause deadly poisoning with a dose of 0.2 – 0.4 grams per 1kg of body weight. However, in normal potatoes, the level of solanine is safe. This toxic substance increases significantly when potatoes come into contact with light and the skin turns blue. That’s why potatoes have to be kept in the dark.
Light causes potatoes to turn blue and produce toxins. That’s why potatoes have to be kept in the dark. (Photo: Doctor Kiltz.jpeg)
The symptoms of solanine poisoning are nausea, diarrhea, headache, central nervous system paralysis, unconsciousness, and in some rare cases, death.
The best way to avoid solanine poisoning is not to eat potatoes that have turned green or sprouted.
Note when storing potatoes
In addition to light, temperature and air are also important factors affecting the spoilage of potatoes. Low storage temperatures will convert starch into sugar.
Potatoes can maintain their best condition in an environment of about 7.2-10 degrees C. If stored below 5-6 degrees C, the starch in potatoes will be converted to sugar, affecting the quality and taste of the potatoes.
Jamey Higham, Chairman of the Idaho Potato Commission (USA), said that if stored at temperatures above 55 degrees F (about 12.8 degrees C), potatoes will spoil, lose water quickly, and even sprout. Therefore, potatoes are not suitable for refrigeration, just keep them in a cool place.
Ann Ziata, a chef and culinary instructor at the Culinary Education Institute in the US, advises that instead of “sealing” potatoes, open the bag, basket, or sack to allow ventilation and prevent moisture buildup, inhibiting bacterial growth.
Humid air can cause potatoes to sprout (Photo: Mississippi Market.png)
If you want to put potatoes in the refrigerator, you can peel them first and soak them in boiling water, they can be stored for 3-4 days.
Some other notes:
– Do not wash potatoes before storing: Do not think that removing the layer of soil on the outside of the potato is hygienic, in fact, it will increase the growth of fungi and bacteria.
– Do not store potatoes together with onions: Potatoes will be stimulated to sprout due to the ethylene released by onions.
According to VTC News
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