Potatoes will stay sprout-free for ‘months’ by storing them in unusual kitchen location
Potatoes are a kitchen staple, but they often sprout or spoil before they're used. Luckily, an expert has shared a simple trick to extend their shelf life.
TikTok user asks viewers if potatoes belong in the fridge
Potatoes can be mashed, baked, fried, boiled, roasted and more, making them incredibly versatile. However, if not stored properly, it can lead to unnecessary waste.
According to waste management specialists Wheeldon Brothers, a simple trick can extend a potato for “months”. They said: “Storing potatoes with an apple helps prevent sprouting and keeps them fresher for longer. It’s an easy way to reduce waste and make your groceries last.”
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The simple trick, which gained popularity on social media, works thanks to the ethylene gas which apples naturally release.
The expert added: “Ethylene gas helps regulate the ripening process, which can slow sprouting in potatoes.
“For the best results, combine this method with proper storage and keep potatoes in a cool, dark and dry environment.”
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Traditionally, storing potatoes in a cupboard or pantry was the go-to method; however, the experts now recommend storing them in the fridge.
Storing them in the fridge could help to keep them fresh “up to three times longer”.
They added: “Earlier concerns about acrylamide formation have been debunked, and modern research shows that fridge storage is safe.
“It’s important to regularly check potatoes for sprouting or green patches, as these can contain harmful toxins.
“Sprouted or green potatoes should not be eaten. To keep your potatoes in top condition, store them properly and check them for any signs of spoilage.”
Another way to keep them fresher for longer is to ditch any plastic bags which trap moisture and speed up spoilage.
