How to Store Potatoes

Tips on how to prolong the freshness of potatoes.

Potatoes are a great store cupboard ingredient as they will last several months if stored in the correct way.

Do not store raw potatoes in the fridge or freezer as the low temperature will lead to an increase in their sugar content, which in turn will affect their taste.

Find more useful tips for the home cook such as how to eat seasonally and why you should not overcrowd the pan.

Before Storing Potatoes

If potatoes were purchased in a plastic bag, take them out. The plastic exposes the potatoes to light and keeps the moisture in, which makes them rot quicker.
Check for rot as this will quickly spread to the rest of them potatoes.
Sort the ones which may have holes, broken skin or slight bruising to use quicker than the rest.
Do not wash them before storing, as this will cause them to rot quickly.

Top tip

Prolong the life of your potatoes by storing them in a dark, cool, well-ventilated place in your kitchen or basement.

Find a cool place

The ideal temperature to store potatoes is between 45℉ – 55℉ (7℃ – 13℃). Find the coolest part of your kitchen, or basement.

Potatoes need to breathe

Keep them well ventilated and store in a small hessian sac (burlap bag), paper bag, newspaper, natural fibre basket, mesh bag, or cardboard box to allow the air to circulate.

Store away from other fruit and vegetables

Keep them away from ethylene releasing fruit & veg like onions, bananas, pears and apples, as this will cause them to sprout quicker.

Avoid the light

Light can make your potatoes turn green and eating green potatoes may give you a stomach ache! Cut away any green skin or flesh (and any sprouts) and they are good to cook!

Check the potatoes time to time to ensure there is no rot, and they do not smell bad.