'Best way' to store potatoes so they last up to six months

Are you tired of your spuds sprouting or turning to mush before you've had the chance to enjoy them? Blogger Jerry James Stone has shared a nifty trick to keep your potatoes fresh for up to six months.

Jerry said: "Storing potatoes is pretty simple. For the most part... [potatoes] like being in a dark, cool place." While many might know that potatoes prefer the dark, Jerry has revealed the "best way" to ensure they stay fresher for longer, reports the Express.

He said: "Store them in a brown paper bag. Just a brown paper bag, opened up. You don't want to store them in plastic and you definitely don't want to store them in a sealed plastic bag, because they don't like the moisture.

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"When they're stored in a brown paper bag, you want to keep that bag open, and place it somewhere that's a cool and sort of well-ventilated dark place." He cautioned that potatoes exposed to light can turn green and develop a bitter taste, hence the need for a dark storage area.

The perfect temperature for potato storage is between seven to 10 degrees Celsius; any warmer and they may start to sprout prematurely.

Jerry mentioned that any spot in the house or garage that maintains a consistent temperature around seven to 10C would be ideal for prolonging the life of your potatoes.

Jerry added: "Potatoes can last up to three months this way; I've even had them last for up to six months and still keep fresh."

Additionally, keeping potatoes away from any ethylene-producing produce can help. Items such as bananas, avocados, and tomatoes are examples of ethylene-producing produce to avoid.

Jerry also emphasised the importance of not storing potatoes in the refrigerator because it triggers a chemical process within them. He said: "Putting potatoes in the fridge actually takes those starches within the potato and starts converting them into sugar."

He then clarified the undesirable outcome of this storage method: "And that results just makes for a really unpleasant taste when it comes to potatoes."