L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tips: Storing potatoes

Storing potatoes should not be much of an issue if you plan on using them within a few days of purchase. But if you buy in bulk, or are not planning on using them right away, the way you store potatoes can affect their edible shelf life.

To store potatoes, keep them in a dark, cool, well-ventilated place.

Keep the potatoes away from any light, as light can cause the potato to accumulate chlorophyll, causing it to turn green. The more light, the more green the potato will become, giving it a bitter flavor (and the effect can be harmful, even toxic, in large amounts).

Store the potatoes in a cool environment. Warm temperatures can cause the potatoes to sprout.

Ventilation is also key. Don't store potatoes in a sealed container. Potatoes are often sold in perforated plastic bags; these bags help to keep the potatoes humid, while still allowing for air circulation.

If you have any kitchen tips or questions you'd like me to explore, leave a comment below or shoot me an email at noelle.carter@latimes.com.

-- Noelle Carter
Twitter/noellecarter

Photo credit: Eric Boyd / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Russ Parsons]

Alex must have been talking about new potatoes (not small, but truly freshly dug). those definitely need to be refrigerated. Most potatoes, though, do not do well in the fridge; enzymes start converting the starch to sugar and they'll taste sweet.

[Lisa]

Learned this year something new. To keep stored potatoes from sprouting, add an apple to the bag. It works and potatoes will keep a couple of months without ever growing roots. Wish someone had told me about this 50 years ago.

[Greg Samsa]

Alex Weiser told me to put them in the fridge I'm gonna go with that.