How to store them properly

Protect tubers from light

Light awakens the urge to live in the tubers and they begin to sprout. The germs are not edible, much more so they remove moisture and valuable nutrients from the potatoes. In addition to a wrinkled appearance, green spots also form on and under the skin. These green areas are poisonous and must be cut out without leaving any residue.

• keep in a dark place
• for example in the pantry, basement or garden shed

Maintain the optimal temperature range

Even a temperature above 10 degrees Celsius can trigger the undesired germination process. On the other hand, very cold temperatures convert potato starch into sugar and thereby change the typical potato taste.

• perfect temperature is between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius
• Avoid frost at all costs
• never store in the freezer

A dry place prevents mold

Molds like moisture and then multiply happily. That is why potatoes must be stored in a dry place. It is also important that the tubers get enough air and circulate. That is why they are stored in airy wooden boxes or linen sacks. Plastic boxes or plastic bags are not at all suitable as they do not allow air exchange.

Spread the large harvest over months

If you grow potatoes yourself, with a bit of luck you will harvest a large number of tubers in autumn. These need to be stored well for months, ideally in wooden boxes or on wooden slats in a cool, dark and dry cellar. For long-term storage, however, only flawless potatoes should be selected:

• Tubers with undamaged skin
• with no lazy spots
• and of course also without germination sites

Check the potato store regularly

If there is a large pile of tubers in the basement, some of them can rot every now and then. If they are not disposed of in a timely manner, neighboring potatoes could soon rot too. Therefore, shift your potato supplies every now and then so that they are better ventilated. You can sort out all the potatoes that are not in perfect condition and put them in the Organic waste dispose.

Do not keep any fruit nearby

If you can not only grow potatoes but also have plenty of apples in your garden, you will need to keep the fruit further away from the potatoes. Apples release the ripening gas ethylene into the surrounding air. As a result, they mature or potatoes spoil faster.

durability

Potatoes can be stored under optimal storage conditions from the harvest in autumn to spring. The type of potato also plays a role. New potatoes, for example, are not suitable for long storage.

Conclusion for quick readers

• Light: light causes potatoes to sprout; Shoots deprive the tubers of nutrients and moisture; they shrivel
• Green spots: occur when there is too much light; are poisonous and must be cut away before consumption
• Optimal storage location: dark cellar, garden shed or pantry
• Tip: A linen bag also provides enough darkness; Potatoes can be stored in it in bright rooms
• Warmth: Temperatures above 10 degrees start the germination process; therefore avoid heat at the storage location
• Cold: When the ambient temperature is cold, starch is converted into sugar; the potato taste suffers
• Optimal temperature: 4 to 8 degrees Celsius are ideal
• Freezer: Potatoes are not suitable for freezing; Avoid frost as a matter of principle
• Danger of mold: moisture promotes mold; choose a dry storage location; ensure air circulation
• Storage: in airy wooden boxes or linen bags; no plastic boxes or plastic bags
• Long-term storage: only store tubers that are in perfect condition; Regularly check the warehouse and dispose of rotten tubers
• Tip: Tubers that are beginning to sprout do not have to be disposed of, but consumed soon
• Fruit: Fruits like apples form a ripening gas that causes the potatoes to rot faster; be sure to keep them separately
• Shelf life: Potatoes will keep for several months under ideal storage conditions
• Varieties: shelf life depends on the variety; New potatoes cannot be stored for long