Consider yourself lucky if you’ve never had to deal with the terrible aftermath of forgetting about a bag of potatoes sitting in the pantry for just a little too long. Potatoes have a bad habit of liquefying into a putrid looking (and smelling) mess if left for too long or at too high a temperature. Either way, it’s something everyone should learn to avoid, if for no other reason than to never have to smell that awful stench.
Knowing the best way to store potatoes is important, but before you even get them home, it’s good to know what to look for at the grocery store when buying them. Buying potatoes that are already going bad, or ones that have lots of bruises and discolorations can result in potatoes that don’t last very long. When you’re at the supermarket, look for potatoes that are firm to the touch – not mushy in spots. They should also be smooth and free of lots of sprouts. Also, avoid potatoes that are cut or bruised – they won’t last as long in your pantry.
How to Store Potatoes
Once you’ve chosen your potatoes and made your way back home, it’s time to store them in a place where they won’t go bad and will last until you’re ready to whip up some perfect creamy mashed potatoes or a fancy little purple potato frittata.
Potatoes need to be stored in a well-ventilated space that’s cool – but warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. That means storing potatoes in the refrigerator is a bad idea, since the starches can convert to sugar in lower temperatures. This, in turn, changes the flavor of potatoes and makes them taste sweeter. It can also make them look discolored.
You also need to keep them away from heat and sunlight. Keep in mind, putting them under the sink could be problematic, since you may have pipes or appliances that heat up that space when they’re in use. Cabinets in direct sunlight could also get too warm to store potatoes properly. We learned this the hard way when we once tried to store a bag of potatoes on top of the fridge.
Your best bet for storing potatoes is inside of a paper bag placed in a dry pantry or cabinet. Dry is key, since any bit of water or dampness can cause potatoes to go bad early.
Storing potatoes properly is easy if you know how to do it, so keep these tips in mind and you’ll never have to worry about your potatoes spoiling too early again. Even more, storing potatoes the right way will help keep sprouting to a minimum, which is less work for you when you’re prepping them to cook. Where do you store your potatoes? Do you keep them on the counter or put them in the pantry? Share with us in the comments!
The house I grew up in had what we called a “secret stair”; the bottom step of our upstairs staircase opened with a hinge. We kept our potatos & onions in it and they kept very nicely! It wasn’t until I moved into my own place that I realized not every house had a “secret stair”! I keep mine stored in veggie bags in a drawer.
Great story Terry! I wish my house had a secret stair! Thanks for commenting!