Tips For Storing Potatoes:
Store unwashed, undamaged, potatoes in a well-ventilated container and in a dark location that is between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
1 - Potatoes should be stored unwashed with some dirt still on them. Our potatoes come unwashed for this reason.
2 - Only perfect potatoes are suitable for long-term storage so it is best to inspect before storing. Tubers with broken skin or damage should be separated and used immediately instead of stored.
3- Potatoes keep best when kept in a well-ventilated container and not in direct contact with the cold ground/floors. The mesh bag they come in provides good ventilation. Cardboard underneath can protect from cold floors.
4 - Keep stored potatoes in the dark. Exposure to light will cause a build-up of Solanine, a chemical that causes potatoes to turn green and produces a bitter taste.
5 - The best temperature to store potatoes is between 45 and 50 degrees. Too warm encourages sprouting and tuber disease and refrigerator temperature is a bit too cool and tends to increase their sweetness making them brown very quickly when fried.
6 – Potatoes like a more humid environment (relative humidity of 80% – 90%) so they don't dry out. It is hard to replicate that in a home but areas where there are not forced air heating vents tend to be more humid.
7- Store potatoes separately from onions and fruits. These give off ethylene gas that can cause your potatoes to sprout prematurely.
A root cellar is the best place to store potatoes but not many homes have those anymore. A dedicated cold storage in a basement can also work well but if you don’t have one you may have to get creative. An unheated entrance, spare room, basement or garage insulated to protect against freezing could work.
