Storing potatoes correctly will help them last longer than usual, specifically “more than three times as long”.
Potatoes are an extremely versatile ingredient to cook with, but they often come in big bags and if not eaten quickly, they can sprout, turn green and end up in the bin.
People used to think that the best place to store potatoes was somewhere dry and cool, not in the fridge.
But actually, potatoes will last longer if they’re kept in the fridge at temperatures below 5C.
Lucia Washbrook, sales and marketing director at Seasonal Spuds, previously spoke to Express.co.uk about the fridge being the best place to store potatoes.
She explained: “Last year, research from the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) found that potatoes stored in the fridge can last more than three times as long compared with storing at room temperature, having the potential to save 100,000 tonnes of food waste per year.
“The study led to the Food Standard Agency (FSA) changing its legislation regarding the storage of raw potatoes in fridges – which was previously advised against due to prior concerns over potential acrylamide formation when potatoes are fried, roasted or baked.
“The study showed that home storage of potatoes in the fridge doesn’t increase the acrylamide forming potential, making storing potatoes in the fridge therefore safe, whilst also extending their lasting period.”
So should all potatoes be stored the same? Lucia said: “Our recommendation would be to consume loose-skin potatoes within the allocated shelf life, purely as they are freshly harvested from fields delivering the best eating experience for consumers.
“Sweet potatoes are absolutely fine to be kept in a fridge, for whenever customers are ready to turn them into delicious recipes or simply use for a sweet jacket potato.”
The Seasonal Spuds expert also had some advice as to what potatoes shouldn’t be stored alongside.
Lucia said: “It’s best to avoid storing potatoes near either onions or tomatoes as both of these can encourage potatoes to sprout. However, neither onions nor tomatoes should be kept in the fridge anyway.”
