Why You Should Never Store Potatoes in the Fridge

Most people tend to store their vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for the week. However, when it comes to certain produce like potatoes, you should never store them in the fridge. Doing so could potentially cause harm to your family's health.

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Why You Shouldn’t Store Potatoes in the Fridge

According to the Food Standards Agency in the UK (FSA), potatoes are one of the foods that should not be stored in the refrigerator.

The starch in potatoes will convert to sugar if they are refrigerated, and when baked or cooked at 120 degrees, the sugar in the potatoes will produce acrylamide, which is very harmful to the health of the user.

What is Acrylamide?

Acrylamide forms when certain foods are cooked at high temperatures, and they can cause cancer in the human body.

Scientists have found acrylamide in chilled and frozen potatoes more than in other foods.

Notes on Potato Preparation

Avoid using frozen potatoes. Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent sprouting.

For potatoes stored at room temperature, discard those with wrinkled, shriveled skins or those that have sprouted.

For potatoes with green skins, remove the affected area before use. However, to ensure safety, it is best to avoid using potatoes with green skins.

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With this information, we hope that you will refrain from storing potatoes in the fridge. Potatoes should be peeled and used only once after preparation.

Frequently asked questions

Storing potatoes in the fridge can affect their texture and taste. The cold temperature can cause the starch in potatoes to turn into sugar, resulting in a sweet taste and an undesirable texture when cooked. It can also make the potatoes rot or sprout faster. Instead, store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place, preferably in a paper or mesh bag, or a perforated plastic bag, to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.

The ideal way to store potatoes is in a cool, dark, well-ventilated environment, with a temperature between 4°C and 10°C. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and avoid storing them in the fridge. Use a paper or mesh bag, or a perforated plastic bag, to ensure proper air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage.

Properly stored potatoes can last for several weeks to a few months. The duration depends on the variety of potato, the storage conditions, and the freshness when purchased. New potatoes, with thinner skins, tend to have a shorter shelf life of about 2-3 weeks, while mature potatoes can last for several months if stored correctly.

Potatoes that have gone bad will show signs of rot, sprouting, or discoloration. They may develop soft spots, wrinkles, or an unpleasant odor. If you notice any of these signs, discard the potatoes. Additionally, if the potatoes have turned green, it indicates the presence of solanine, a toxic compound, and they should not be consumed.

Potatoes that have started to sprout can be used, but it is best to remove the sprouts and any eyes or green parts before consumption. The sprouting indicates that the potato is trying to grow, and while it is still safe to eat, the taste and texture may be affected. Cooking or boiling the potatoes can help to reduce the impact of sprouting on their overall quality.
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