Tesco warns shoppers who buy potatoes and says 'it is crucial'

Tesco has issued crucial guidance for shoppers who buy potatoes. The UK's largest supermarket Tesco has shared a handy guide on "how to store" your spuds if you're a potatoes purchaser at any of its branches up and down the UK.

In a handy guide for customers to ensure they are maximising the lifespan of their spuds, Tesco said: "Potatoes are one of the most versatile veggies. They can even have a great shelf life, lasting for months, if you know how to store potatoes properly. Want to know how to stop your spuds from sprouting, going green, wrinkling and more?

"Here's our easy-to-follow advice..." The retailer went on: "When a potato sprouts, the tubers start to regrow and the potatoes start to lose their flavour – bad news if you’re hoping to make them the centrepiece of your next dinner party.

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"But how can you keep your potatoes from sprouting? By following a few simple steps, you can keep your potatoes nearly as fresh as the day you bought them, for up to 6 months." It adds: "A couple of weeks after the weekly shop, potatoes will start to sprout, shrivel, shrink, and soften, especially if kept in the wrong conditions.

"However, follow our simple instructions, and you’ll make your potatoes last longer. Roasties all round!" Tesco encourages people to "not suffocate" spuds, keeping them in "paper" or "mesh" bags instead. "It’s also crucial that potatoes are stored away from other fresh produce, particularly onions, as they release ethylene gas," it says.

It adds: "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)."