Learn how to store potatoes at home with 11 important and essential points
Potatoes are one of the most popular foods and of course they have many properties. Learning how to store potatoes at home increases their useful life. In this article we will teach you these methods.
Potatoes are one of the main ingredients in every kitchen. This food has been used for over 10,000 years as one of the most healthy and nutritious summer foods. There are many ways and tips to store potatoes for a longer period, which we will teach you in this article.
The most important points to pay attention to when storing potatoes!
This delicious vegetable can be used and stored in a variety of ways. Proper storage can extend its useful life and avoid throwing away too many spoiled potatoes. You can store potatoes for a long time even in a kitchen environment. Pay attention to the following points for storing potatoes.
1. Keep raw potatoes in a cool place
Storage temperature has a significant impact on the life of potatoes. When raw potatoes are stored between 6 and 10 degrees Celsius, they will keep for several months without spoiling. Of course, this temperature is associated with cold warehouses and the kitchen environment will generally be much warmer than this temperature. This temperature range is slightly warmer than a refrigerator and can be found in cold basements, basements, garages, or sheds.
Storing potatoes in these conditions can prevent potato growth and make this food usable for a longer period of time. Keeping them at a lower temperature also helps preserve their vitamin C content.
2. Keep potatoes away from light
Sunlight or fluorescent light from lamps can cause potato skin to produce chlorophyll and turn an undesirable green color; Therefore, to prevent the potatoes from turning green, it is better not to expose this vegetable to light and choose a dark and cool place for it.
While the chlorophyll that makes potato skins green is harmless, exposure to sunlight can produce large amounts of a toxic chemical called solanine. As a result, you must get rid of them; Because its consumption can lead to sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.
3. Do not store potatoes in the refrigerator or freezer
Although the cold temperature is ideal for storing potatoes, the refrigerator and freezer temperatures are not suitable for them; Because a temperature that is too low can cause "cold sweetness". This happens when some of the starch is converted into reducing sugars. Reducing sugars can create carcinogens called acrylamides when fried or exposed to very high cooking temperatures, so it's best to keep levels low by storing your potatoes properly.
Also, when raw potatoes are placed in the freezer, the water inside the potato expands and forms crystals that break the structure of the cell wall. This makes it soft and unusable when thawed for consumption.
On the other hand, it is more likely to change color to brown. It's okay to freeze them after they've been fully or partially cooked, because the cooking process deactivates the browning enzymes and prevents them from changing colour. Also, if cooked potatoes are frozen, no changes will be made to raw potatoes in them.
4. Store potatoes in open containers or paper bags
Potatoes need airflow to prevent moisture buildup and spoilage. The best way to allow air circulation is to store them in an open container or paper bag. Therefore, do not store them in a closed, non-ventilated container such as a zip-top plastic bag or a glass jar. Without air circulation, moisture from the potatoes collects inside the container and causes mold and bacteria to grow.
5. Not washing potatoes
Since potatoes are grown underground, there is often dirt on the skin. Although it may be tempting to wash off dirt before storing, it will last longer if you keep it that way; Because washing increases moisture, which leads to the growth of fungus and bacteria. You should wash only the amount you need at a time immediately before use. If pesticides on them are a concern for you, washing with vinegar or a 10% saline solution can remove more than twice as much residual pathogens as water alone.
6. Separate storage of potatoes
Many fruits and vegetables will begin to soften and rot if they come into contact with fruits that release ethylene gas. For this reason, if you put fruits like bananas, apples, onions, and tomatoes near potatoes, they will spoil sooner.
7. Keeping potatoes in the soil
Most people buy potatoes at their local market, but if you grow them yourself, you can keep them in the soil for much longer. Freshly cut potatoes should be placed in warmer temperatures and high humidity for several weeks to allow the skin to thicken and the spots to heal. This helps increase the shelf life of potatoes.
8. Keep raw potato slices in water
After peeling and slicing, raw potatoes change color quickly when exposed to air. This is because they contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase that reacts with oxygen and turns the potato flesh gray or brown. You can prevent discoloration by covering peeled and sliced slices with water and placing them in the refrigerator until you wish to use them. However, if left in water for more than 24 hours, they can absorb too much water and become pasty and tasteless. Only use this method with potatoes that will be cooked the same day.
You can keep raw potato slices in water for up to a day.
9. Vacuum the cut potatoes
To keep your potato chips longer, you can use home vacuuming, a technique where all the air is removed from the package and sealed tightly. Vacuum-packed potatoes will last up to a week in the refrigerator.
10. Store baked potatoes in the refrigerator
You can store cooked potatoes in the refrigerator for several days. However, if left too long, it may become watery or gummy, as the potato starch changes shape and releases water as it cools. This short-term action, say, a day or two, also increases the formation of resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that humans cannot digest and absorb.
This method of storing potatoes can be beneficial for those with blood sugar problems, as it reduces the glycemic index by about 25% and prevents an increase in blood sugar after eating. Resistant starch also contributes to gut health, as it is fermented by gut bacteria and produces short-chain fatty acids that help keep the lining of the colon healthy and strong.
11. Store baked potatoes in the freezer
If you are not going to eat the baked potato within a few days, it is best to store it in the freezer. This prevents the potatoes from browning and spoiling in a short time. When you want to use frozen baked potatoes, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating and serving. This results in a better texture in the potatoes than thawing them in the microwave or other ways.
Baked potatoes can be refrigerated for three or four days.
The conclusion
As you have seen, there are different ways to store potatoes, such as an environment with suitable temperature and conditions, soil, cupboard, refrigerator, and freezer, each of which must provide special conditions for each. Knowing the best ways to store potatoes can increase the life and characteristics of your potatoes and reduce food waste. If you are interested in potato dishes, we suggest that you read the article on how to prepare food with potatoes.
