Natural Elements Potato Bag with Blackout Lining, Potato Storage Bag, Hessian, 24 x 24 cm, Brown

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Potatoes must be kept in a cool dark place, otherwise the light will cause them to photosynthesize and – you guessed it – sprout. Plus, the temperature must be below 10°C. So, if you want your spuds to stay in tip-top condition, we recommend popping them in a paper bag and stashing them away in a dark place of your choosing: a porch cupboard or garden shed are all great options, and there’s always the fridge (if you’ve got the space). How to keep potatoes from sprouting Very low temperatures can cause “cold-induced sweetening.” This happens when some of the starch is converted to reducing sugars ( 10). Zero Waste. These potato storage bags are made out of eco-friendly materials that are also durable. You can wear them without any fear of damaging your health because they have a zipper that goes all the way to the top. The zipper does not open directly on the bag but goes through the material and into the middle of the bag and then out of the bag again.

This temperature range is slightly warmer than refrigeration and can be found in cool cellars, basements, garages or sheds. While the chlorophyll that turns skins green is harmless, sun exposure can produce large amounts of a toxic chemical called solanine. When exposed to freezing temperatures, the water inside potatoes expands and forms crystals that break down the cell wall structures. This makes them mushy and unusable when defrosted ( 13). The refrigerator is out, because temperatures below 40°F (4°C) trigger the conversion of starches to sugars in the stored spuds, which makes them darken when cooked. Even worse, what old timers called “sugared potatoes” form carcinogenic compounds when cooked at high temperatures. Let’s not go there.However, leftovers may become watery or gummy, since potato starches change shape and release water as they cool ( 22).

This can be a good thing for those with blood sugar issues, since it reduces the glycemic index by about 25% and causes a much smaller spike in blood sugar after eating ( 23, 24). Solanine is also toxic to humans when consumed in very high quantities and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. A few cases of death have even been reported ( 7). In fact, one study found that storing potatoes in cool temperatures more than quadrupled their shelf life, compared to storing them at room temperature ( 3).

If the skin starts to sag, the flesh feels squidgy (or is even wet to touch) this is a surefire sign these potatoes are long past their best. Storing potatoes in these conditions can help delay the formation of sprouts on the skin, one of the first signs of spoilage. Firm to the touch: Soft potatoes have already begun to degrade, so look for firm, bright qualities. The best plug-in device for maintaining the ideal potato storage temperature of 45°F (7°C) is a beverage cooler, of which there are several small models that might be useful if you are critically low on cold storage space. You also can use a wine cooler set at its lowest setting, which is usually around 52°F (11°C).

Studies show that vibrantly colored varieties contain much larger amounts of antioxidants than traditional white potatoes ( 30). Summary Resistant starch also promotes gut health, since gut bacteria ferment it and produce short chain fatty acids, which help keep the lining of your large intestine healthy and strong ( 25, 26, 27). First things first, you need to separate your potatoes so you know what you can use in the short and long term. If you spy any bruising or broken skin, use them up sooner and leave the unscathed potatoes for later on. Be sure not to wash your spuds before storing, the exposure to moisture invites rotting and greening to spread and will ultimately shorten the storage life. Where should I store them? However, if left in water for more than 24 hours, they can absorb too much water and become soggy and tasteless. Only use this technique for potatoes that will be cooked the same day. Potatoes go green when exposed to light. The green bit contains toxins, so is not safe to eat: however, if you ensure it’s thoroughly removed before cooking, the rest of the spud is edible.Not sure how to use your well-preserved potatoes? Never fear! You can freeze potatoes, or cook them up whenever the mood takes you. You’ve never really got too many potatoes, only limitless options for your next meal. Need some inspiration for how to use your spuds? Here are our top seven ways to use up leftover potatoes. No sprouting: Sprouts are one of the first indicators of spoilage, so avoid purchasing any that have already sprouted. A fresh potato smells like the ground it’s grown in, but a potato that’s gone bad will smell mouldy and musty. How to use leftover potatoes It’s okay to freeze them once they are fully or partially cooked, as the cooking process deactivates the browning enzymes and prevents them from discoloring ( 15). Summary

This is because the enzymes that cause browning are still active in the potato, even under freezing temperatures ( 14). Storing at temperatures slightly above refrigeration is a great way to extend shelf life and maintain vitamin C content. Summary Cooking and cooling also increase the formation of resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that humans cannot digest and absorb. Smooth skin: Potatoes that have been damaged by cold temperatures may develop pitted skin and brown centers, so look for smooth textures. Research showed that potatoes stored in cool temperatures maintained up to 90% of their vitamin C content for four months, while those stored in warmer room temperatures lost almost 20% of their vitamin C after one month ( 3, 4).

Specialized Refrigeration

While cooked and cooled potatoes have some health benefits, they should be eaten within three or four days to avoid spoilage and food poisoning ( 28). Summary Instead, let’s assume that your potatoes have been gently harvested and cured, and now you need a place to put them that’s cool, dark, and safe from critters. After reading through the ideas below, you may find that you have more potato storage options than you think. Storing potatoes in a crate lined with straw Root Cellars and Basements It’s important not to wash the potatoes, as this adds moisture that can encourage them to sprout. Instead, get rid of most of the dirt by brushing it off.