Millions of UK households could be inadvertently ruining their potatoes by storing them incorrectly, leading to unnecessary food waste and extra shopping trips. However, culinary professionals have shared a straightforward method that can keep spuds fresh for several months.
The Common Potato Storage Mistakes
According to recipe creator and cookbook author Nikole Goncalves, two major errors are causing potatoes to sprout and spoil prematurely. The first is keeping them in the plastic packaging they are often sold in. Goncalves advises discarding this bag as soon as you get home.
The second, and perhaps more surprising mistake, is refrigerating your potatoes. "It will actually change the flavour of them, which we do not want," Goncalves warns. Instead of the fridge, she recommends a completely different approach for long-lasting spuds.
The Correct Way to Store Your Spuds
For optimal freshness, Goncalves instructs home cooks to place their potatoes in a brown paper bag and keep them in a dark, cool place. This simple switch in storage method can dramatically extend their shelf life, potentially for months, saving money and reducing kitchen waste.
She emphasises the importance of this, stating: "When you store your produce properly, they will last so much longer. Which means you are going to save money and prevent a lot of food waste in your kitchen."
The One Vegetable to Keep Far Away
The crucial piece of advice, which Goncalves admits she has fallen victim to herself, concerns a common kitchen companion: the onion. You should never store onions with your potatoes.
Onions emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the sprouting process and causes potatoes to go bad much faster. Conversely, potatoes release moisture that can make onions turn soft and mushy. The solution is to store both in separate, cool, dark places.
If space is limited, simply ensure there is a gap of at least one to two feet between them. For those without a brown paper bag, a handy alternative is to use newspaper. Experts from Tesco Real Food suggest: "Put the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper in a dark place - it's important they don't touch, as air needs to circulate between the spuds." This method can help potatoes remain edible for up to six months.
By following these simple guidelines—ditching plastic and the fridge, using breathable paper storage, and most importantly, keeping potatoes and onions apart—you can ensure this kitchen staple stays fresh and ready to use for far longer.
