Storing potatoes - no more sprouting tubers!

Do you know this? You're looking forward to delicious rösti, open the potato sack and instead of crispy tubers you only find sprouting, wrinkly specimens. Storing potatoes is not easy? We say: yes it is! Because this annoyance can be easily avoided with the right potato storage. With the right tips and tricks, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your potatoes and avoid unnecessary food waste.

If you want to store your potatoes in a way that keeps them fresh and tasty, you've come to the right place. Below you can find out how to store your potatoes at home - whether in the cellar or in the kitchen.

 

Why storing potatoes correctly is so important

Potatoes belong to the nightshade family. When they are exposed to light, they begin to produce solanine - a natural defense against pests. This solanine turns the skin green and can be poisonous in large quantities. This is why it is so important to store potatoes in such a way that they are protected from direct light.

The starch contained in the potato is the tuber's energy store. This also makes the potato sensitive to moisture and high temperatures. This is because heat and a humid environment activate the potato's energy. It quickly starts to sprout or shrivel and loses its quality and taste. You should store the potatoes in such a way that they retain their taste and, of course, their shelf life is extended.

This is how you can tell whether potatoes are still edible:

• Firm consistency: Potatoes should not feel soft or mushy.
• No green spots: Green spots indicate solanine, cut these spots away generously.
• Germ-free: You can remove small germs, but it is better to dispose of larger ones.
• No mold: Mold is a clear sign that the tuber is inedible. Be sure to dispose of it and check the other potatoes too.

The ideal conditions for storing potatoes

Basically, storing potatoes doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple tricks, you can create ideal conditions for the tasty tubers. To ensure that your potatoes retain their quality, you need the optimum mix of temperature and environment. Just pay attention to the following:

The right storage location

Storing potatoes works anywhere that is dark, cool and well ventilated. Ideal places for storing potatoes are:

1. CellarPerfect! As the temperature here is usually between four and ten degrees.
2. Pantry: If it is well ventilated and dark. It is therefore best to use air-permeable containers such as wooden crates or jute bags.
3. Store cupboard: Here, too, it should be dark and well ventilated. Suitable storage boxes or baskets that allow enough air to pass through are best.
4. No direct sunlightAvoid windowsills or corners flooded with light.

And storing potatoes in the fridge? Storing potatoes in the fridge is not a good idea and is only advisable for a few days. The low temperatures convert the starch into sugar, making the tubers taste sweet - which unfortunately spoils the taste.

Storage boxes for the larder

Observe the temperature

Potatoes should not be stored too warm or too cold:

• Ideal: four to ten degrees Celsius
• Too cold? It is better to avoid storing the potatoes too cold, for example in the fridge. This makes the potatoes sweet!

Storing potatoes - in summer

• High temperatures can significantly reduce the shelf life of potatoes. In summer, a cool cellar or a special storage container with ventilation is ideal.
• Caution: avoid storing potatoes near hot appliances such as the stove, oven or heater.

Storing potatoes - in winter

• In winter, it is important that potatoes are not stored too cold. Temperatures below four degrees Celsius can convert the starch into sugar.
• The storage area should not be too damp, otherwise mold can quickly form.

The right container

Store potatoes in breathable containers such as wooden crates, jute sacks or special storage boxes. Plastic bags are unsuitable as they trap moisture and encourage mold.

TipStylish and functional potato boxes made of wood or metal are practical and also a real eye-catcher in your kitchen or pantry. They protect the potatoes from light and allow good air circulation. Potatoes are therefore ideal for storing in our practical iDesign ECO storage container WOOD - OpenFront. This is the ideal way to store the small tubers in your pantry or cellar.

Storage boxes for the kitchen

Potatoes and other foods

Keep your potatoes away from fruit such as apples or bananas. These produce ethylene, a gas that accelerates the ripening and sprouting of potatoes.

The shelf life of potatoes therefore depends heavily on how they are stored:

• Optimally stored: up to several months
• At room temperature: one to two weeks
• In the refrigerator: a few weeks and with loss of quality

Storing the tubers correctly is crucial to extending the shelf life of potatoes and preserving their taste. Darkness, ventilation and the right temperature are the keys to success. With our tips, you can ensure that your potatoes stay fresh for longer in future - and that you have to throw away less food.

Storing potatoes: even more tips and knowledge about proper storage

By storing your potatoes correctly, you can save money and reduce food waste at the same time. You are doing your bit for the environment: millions of tons of potatoes are thrown away every year because they have not been stored properly. By implementing our simple tips, you are not only doing something good for your wallet, but also for the environment. It is therefore advisable to buy smaller quantities and store these potatoes in such a way that they remain fresh and tasty. If you do end up buying larger quantities, it's no problem. There are solutions for this too.

Store in layers

You can store the potatoes in layers. It is best to place the potatoes in your storage box. You can place newspaper between the layers to absorb moisture.

By the way: Our iDesign CLASSICO storage basket metal black in various sizes is ideal for stacking. It can also be used to store large quantities of potatoes in layers - and on top of that you have a real space saver for your kitchen.

Regular checks

You should also check your stock regularly. Check the box where your potatoes are stored every few weeks and remove damaged or sprouting potatoes to protect the rest.

Monitor the storage climate

If you are unsure, you can also check the storage climate. A thermometer can be particularly useful in a pantry where several items of food are stored. You can even keep an eye on the humidity with a hygrometer.

With these basic rules for storing potatoes, your tubers will stay fresh for a long time and you can enjoy them at any time. We at BINS AND BOXES know what a difference the right storage makes. Try it out and experience it for yourself!