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Common Kitchen Mistake Could Be Shortening Your Potato Shelf Life
Potatoes are a beloved kitchen staple in British households, prepared in countless ways from mashed to fried. However, these dependable vegetables frequently end up wasted when they begin to sprout or soften before they can be used in meals.
The Surprising Storage Solution to Keep Potatoes Fresh Longer
For many homes, premature potato spoilage may stem from a simple, yet widespread storage habit. Experts now suggest this common practice could be drastically reducing the usable life of your potatoes. According to Wheeldon Brothers, specialists in waste management, making minor adjustments to your routine could extend the freshness of your potatoes “up to threefold.” This storage approach, defying older conventions, is now supported by contemporary food waste reduction initiatives and research.
Refrigeration Recommended for Optimal Potato Freshness
“Keeping potatoes refrigerated can maintain their freshness up to three times longer,” a waste management expert stated, challenging the long-held notion of storing potatoes in vegetable racks or on countertops.
It was previously believed that chilling potatoes might elevate acrylamide levels, a chemical compound that forms when certain foods are cooked at elevated temperatures.
Nevertheless, updated advice from organizations such as WRAP and Love Food Hate Waste confirms that refrigerator storage is not only safe but also highly effective for preserving various types of produce.
The Apple Advantage: A Natural Way to Prevent Potato Sprouting
Furthermore, a common fruit could be the ideal partner for your potatoes, naturally enhancing their longevity.
How Apples Extend Potato Shelf Life
“Storing potatoes alongside an apple helps prevent sprouting and preserves their fresh state for an extended period,” the waste management specialist explained. “This is a straightforward technique to minimize waste and ensure your groceries last.”
This technique, gaining popularity across social media platforms, is rooted in basic scientific principles.
The Science Behind the Apple and Potato Storage Method
“Ethylene gas regulates the ripening process, and it can effectively slow down sprouting in potatoes,” the expert clarified.
Apples naturally release this gas. Consequently, placing just one apple among your potatoes can be remarkably beneficial, assuming they are also stored in a suitable setting.
Best Practices for Potato Storage: Cool, Dark, and Dry
“For optimal outcomes, integrate this apple method with appropriate storage practices – ensuring potatoes are kept in a cool, dark, and dry environment,” they advised.
Avoid Plastic Bags for Potato Storage
While refrigeration is now endorsed, it is crucial to avoid sealing potatoes in plastic bags – another common, yet counterproductive habit.
Plastic bags trap humidity and hasten deterioration. Therefore, experts recommend utilizing a breathable paper bag or even a cardboard box to help maintain ideal storage conditions.