The heart of every potato-lover sinks at the thought of reaching into the pantry and discovering their spuds generously sprouted with unsightly shoots.
Sprouting potatoes not only look unappetizing, they indicate a sleigh bell that the decline of nutrients and potential waste is approaching.
But don’t worry—this guide will teach you how to keep potatoes from sprouting with some simple staples and effective storage techniques.
Whether you’re looking to extend the shelf life of your produce or prevent those pesky eyes from popping up too soon, these practical tips are easy to follow.
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to know to eat fresh, tasty potatoes for so much longer.
How to Keep Potatoes from Sprouting Easily
Potatoes will start growing eyes when they are exposed to light, warmth, and moisture and the natural process begins.
Preventing sprouting you see is about maintaining an environment that deters these triggers from taking hold.
Here’s how to do it:
Store Potatoes in a Cool, Dark Place
Temperature is the most important factor in storing potatoes.
Potatoes should be stored ideally in the 45°-50°F range.
Warmer temps encourage sprouting, and excessively cold conditions, such as those in refrigerators, can convert potato starch to sugar, changing their flavor and texture.
Store your potatoes in a cool, dark place: a pantry, cellar or such.
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Stay away from heat zones (around ovens, top burners, etc.)
If you don’t have a cellar, find a temperature-controlled basement or a cool cupboard in your kitchen.
If you live in a warmer climate, it might be time to buy a dedicated vegetable storage container to maintain ideal conditions year-round.
Keep Potatoes Away from Light
Light exposure, however, stimulates sprouting and can cause potatoes to green in color — which may also make them bitter.
Put them in a breathable, opaque bag, or in a bin that keeps out light.
Keep plastic bags far away, because these will collect moisture and speed up spoilage.
As an added protection, use brown paper or fabric to cover your storage space, filtering out any incidental light.
It will help to significantly keep your potatoes lasting longer.
Use Paper or Mesh Bags for Storage
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Potatoes need to breathe and ventilation will help slow the sprouting process.
Use paper or mesh bags, not sealed containers or plastic.
These materials also help regulate moisture and air circulation, which will help your potatoes stay in good shape longer.
Breathable produce bags from your grocery store can also be reused — just make sure they’re clean and dry before using them.
Wooden crates with vent holes are a good way to store larger quantities for bulk storage.
Separate Potatoes from Other Produce
Other fruits — including apples and bananas — give off ethylene gas, which can hasten sprouting in potatoes.
To reduce their exposure to this natural gas, keep your potatoes separate from other produce.
This can be achieved with dedicated potato storage bins or baskets.
If space is at a premium, use stackable storage containers to keep your potatoes isolated while remaining well-ventilated.
Inspect and Remove Sprouting Potatoes Regularly
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Even with the best storage methods, some potatoes may sprout over time.
Every week, check your stash and remove any sprouting or damaged potatoes that could cause spoilage to spread.
Potatoes that have started to sprout even send signals to others nearby, increasing their chances of sprouting as well.
A clean organized stash will substantially help the shelf life of the whole lot longer.
Can You Stop Potatoes from Sprouting with Household Hacks?
There you have it: some clever methods to prolong the life of your taters using common household items.
Add an Apple to the Storage Area
Sounds counterintuitive, but adding one apple will delay sprouting for a while.
Ethylene gas often speeds up ripening, but a controlled amount can fool potatoes into thinking they’re still growing on a plant.
It’s a good idea to monitor this method closely, since too much ethylene can backfire.
However, if you see any strange things happen to your potatoes, take the apple out at once.
Sprinkle Potatoes with Baking Soda
Sprinkling your potatoes slightly with baking soda will help soak moisture.
It makes it a drier environment that prevents sprouting.
Before you cook, shake off any residue, since excess baking soda can change the taste of your potatoes.
Try Placing a Charcoal Briquette Nearby
In addition, because charcoal naturally traps moisture, it acts as a useful deterrent to sprouting.
Put down a clean, unused briquette in the storage area, not touching the potatoes directly.
For optimal results, update said briquette every few weeks.
This tip is particularly helpful in humid climates where it’s more challenging to regulate moisture.
Add a Bay Leaf to the Storage Bag
As for bay leaves, they are widely recognized as a deterrent for any budding plants, but they also serve well for repelling pest.
Place a few of dried bay leaves in the bag or bin where you keep the potatoes.
FAQs About Potato Storage
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Proper potato storage leads to a fair amount of questions, so let’s address some frequently asked ones:
Can you eat sprouted potatoes?
If there isn’t any green discoloration, sprouted potatoes are safe to eat, as long as the sprouts are removed.
But if the potato is mushy or stinky, it’s better to throw it out.
Eating heavily sprouted or spoiled potatoes can lead to digestive discomfort.
Is it better to wash potatoes before storing them?
No, washing potatoes before storing them adds moisture that speeds up sprouting.
Instead, wipe away dirt and hold off washing them until you’re ready to cook.
Moisture is the enemy of fresh potatoes, so store them dry for as long as you can.
Do potato storage containers really work?
Indeed, potato storage containers can extend the life of the spuds while promoting the right amount of darkness, ventilation and moisture regulation.
Use breathable lids or perforated sides for best results.
Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Potatoes
Your potatoes can last weeks — or if you’re lucky, months — with the right treatment.
Here are a few extra pointers:
What happens if you refrigerate potatoes?
Cold storage halts sprouting, but changes the starch, so the flavor is sweeter.
Use this technique only if you intend to fry or roast the potatoes because the sugar caramelizes at high heat.
For mashed or boiled potatoes, refrigerating them may lead to less desirable results.
How can you revive sprouted potatoes?
If there are only a few sprouts, as long as the potato is firm, just take the sprouts off and cook it as you normally would.
But steer away from those with lots of sprouts or shriveled skins.
It should feel firm to the touch and not smell strongly — both signs your potato has peaked.
What’s the best way to store cut potatoes?
Once cut, potatoes will oxidize relatively quickly, and should be stored in water in the refrigerator.
This shortens their shelf life, which means to try to use them fairly soon.
While storing for more than a day, be sure to change the water daily to avoid bacterial viruses.
For anyone tired of dealing with sprouting potatoes, these tips will help you extend their life and enjoy your produce at its best.
Remember, keeping potatoes fresh is all about managing light, temperature, and moisture effectively!