Whether you mash them, boil them or add them to a stew, potatoes are an adaptable ingredient that’s handy to keep stocked for a satisfying winter meal. However, simply storing a large bag of potatoes anywhere in your kitchen isn’t advisable, as they can rapidly turn mushy or even develop mould without proper storage.
Potatoes contain mostly water, and when left clustered together, the trapped moisture causes them to start deteriorating at an alarmingly quick pace. Fortunately, the specialists at Tesco Real Food have revealed that potatoes can enjoy an extended shelf life, lasting up to six months, if stored with some newspaper.
They said: “Put the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper in a dark place – it’s important they don’t touch, as air needs to circulate between the spuds.”
What is the best way to store potatoes?
For longer-lasting potatoes, storing them on newspaper is a straightforward curing method, reports the Express.
Potatoes often get bruised or damaged during harvesting, and curing allows the skin to recover, minimising water loss and substantially decreasing the likelihood of decay.
After purchasing potatoes, simply locate somewhere dark and cool for storage, such as a drawer, cupboard or even a pantry if available.
Next, arrange the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper individually, ensuring none are in contact, as adequate air circulation is essential. It’s perfectly acceptable to also place them in a box or basket with the newspaper to keep them tidily stored away.
Regular checks on your potatoes are essential, but as long as they’re kept away from light and heat, they’ll toughen up and last for months rather than just a few weeks.
Potatoes gradually release water during storage, which is why they should never be stored in a plastic bag. The lack of air circulation and inability for moisture to evaporate can lead to mould growth, often the primary cause of potato spoilage.
Newspaper, or any paper material, is breathable and doesn’t seal completely, preventing moisture build-up and allowing ample air circulation to keep the potatoes dry. It’s an easy method to prevent the potatoes from touching each other, which could bruise them, and to keep them as dry as possible for freshness.
Taking the time to cure potatoes is straightforward and allows you to utilise a whole bag of potatoes without any spoiling, saving you from frequent purchases over the festive season.
