Potato Storage Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)

Potatoes contain higher potassium levels than other vegetables and fruits, along with a wealth of nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and iron. Their versatility in various dishes makes it easy to include them in any diet. Let’s explore the proper storage methods to enjoy these potatoes freshly for a long time.

Potatoes dislike moisture. Storing them in a sealed environment can trap humidity, increasing the chances of sprouting or spoiling. Therefore, it’s recommended to store it in breathable paper bags.

For optimal freshness, potatoes should be kept between 7°C to 10°C (45°F and 50°F). Storing them at lower temperatures can convert the starches into sugars, leading to a sweeter taste and a decline in quality. Thus, it’s not appropriate to store potatoes in the refrigerator.

Selecting the proper vegetables and fruits neighbor for the potatoes is also crucial. Keeping them with ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, and tomatoes, can cause potatoes to sprout and spoil quickly. It is better to separate the potatoes from the ethylene-emitting ones, which accelerates their ripening and sprouting.

There’s a saying not to place potatoes in direct sunlight. When exposed to light, potatoes produce chlorophyll, turning them green.

At this stage, a toxic substance called solanine accumulates in the potatoes, worsening their taste and texture. Solanine primarily builds up in the potatoes’ sprouts, green skin, and leaves. When potatoes turn green due to light exposure, the concentration of solanine increases, so they should be stored in a dark place.

Consuming potatoes that have been exposed to light and have deteriorated can lead to solanine poisoning. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, and fever. In severe cases, neurological symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis may occur.

Therefore, if potatoes turn green or sprout, it’s best to remove or discard the affected areas. Sprouted potatoes tend to have higher solanine concentrations, so avoiding consuming them is advisable.