How to store potatoes

Nutritious, affordable and delicious, potatoes are above all dependable, and it's their long storage life that makes them one of the world’s most important crops.

At the same time, they are the UK’s most-wasted food item. According to 2020 stats, 4.4 million potatoes are thrown away by households each day, amounting to 1.6 billion wasted potatoes a year.

When stored in a cool, dark, dry and well-ventilated environment, it’s possible to maintain potatoes’ texture, flavour and nutrition for several months.

How to store potatoes

How you prepare and store potatoes will affect their quality and storage life. While there are hundreds of varieties of potatoes, thankfully they all need similar storage conditions.

Preparing potatoes for storage

While it’s tempting to haul a bag of potatoes to the back of a cupboard, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check over each one for cracks, broken skin and bruising. Any slightly damaged potatoes should be used up first, and cut them before cooking to check for spoilage. Avoid the temptation to wash potatoes before storing them as the moisture can cause rotting that can spread to other potatoes.

Storing potatoes in the dark

Keeping potatoes in a dark environment is paramount for prolonged storage. When potatoes are exposed to even a little light they tend to develop green patches and can sprout. The green patches are toxins under the skin called solanine, and while the toxins are rarely concentrated enough to be harmful, they still cause a bitter flavour. If you find yourself with sprouting potatoes, either plant them to encourage multiplicative growth, or trim off sprouts and cut out green spots before cooking.

Finding a cool storage environment

The optimal temperature to store potatoes is between six and 10 degrees celsius, a temperature range that stops potatoes sprouting or freezing. In the UK, a kitchen cupboard, pantry or cellar will often stay in this temperature range. As fridges are kept between three and five degrees celsius, they’re a bit cold to store potatoes, but can be a viable alternative. In 2023, the Food Standards Agency updated its guidelines to advise that potatoes can be kept in the fridge and doing so doesn’t increase the production of the cancer-causing chemical, acrylamide, as previously thought.

Let potatoes breathe

As in the ground, potatoes need to be stored in a place with some air flow. Potatoes can be stored loose, but this can get a bit chaotic. Instead of an airtight container or plastic bag, opt for a cardboard box or a storage bag made from breathable fabric, such as a netted, mesh or hessian bag to stop sweating, sprouting and rotting.

Tips for storing potatoes

Don’t store potatoes together with vegetables or fruits that produce ethylene gas, such as onions, apples, avocados, bananas, peppers and tomatoes, which accelerates ripening and fermentation.

Avoid accidentally storing potatoes in a cupboard next to an appliance such as a dishwasher or oven, which will heat up when used, transmitting that heat and therefore shortening the storage length of potatoes.

Check your potatoes routinely every few weeks wherever they’re stored to make sure they’re not sprouting or rotting.

Frequently asked questions

Good Food answers your potato storage questions.

Do potatoes last longer in the fridge or cupboard?

When the Food Standards Agency updated its guidelines in 2023 to advise that potatoes can be kept in the fridge, they went further and recommended storing them in the fridge to increase their lifespan. There’s evidence to suggest that potatoes develop a sweeter flavour when stored in conditions less than six degrees celsius.

What is the best container for storing potatoes?

Storing potatoes in a container will stop them from rolling around and help you keep track of quantities at a glance. It’s important to use a container with holes in to make sure there’s enough airflow to let the potatoes breathe, such as a metal storage tin with holes, or wire storage basket.

Is it better to store potatoes in plastic or paper bags?

Plastic bags trap moisture while paper bags allow air to circulate, making them more suitable for storing potatoes.

Can you freeze potatoes?

Fully cooked potatoes freeze well. Once cooked, spread out and allow to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container or food bag in the freezer. Read our full guide on how to freeze potatoes.

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source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-to-store-potatoes