Help! How do I store potatoes?

frannyscho

I tried the layers, in paper, in cardboard boxes, but mine went mouldy, but it may not have been cold or dark enough.

I have in the murky back of my mind, the distant glimmer that someone told me to put them in layers in dry sand? But I have no idea if that works or not - it sounds as if it might - anyone else heard of this, or am I talking rubbish???

bizzylizzy

I keep my potatoes in large flowerpot (not plastic) on a low shelf in the kitchen.
I put a sheet of kitchen roll over the drainage hole, tip the potatoes out of the plastic bag and then cover them with a tea cloth. This way the air gets to them but the light stays out.

dannahaz

henhog wrote:

You can buy special bags to store spuds in from Lakeland - we put our spuds in ours and they do seem to keep a bit longer.

We do too. It works really well, keeps the litle blighters in the dark and stops them getting sweaty.

dalesmum

Sweet_Pea wrote:

There was an awful smell in my pantry this morning which I traced to a disgusting potato. I keep my spuds at the moment in a plastic stacker box type thing with lots of holes in the sides, in the pantry. They dont last long before they go sprouty and mouldy.
Where am I going wrong? Would they be better stored in the light or dark?

I've heard that an apple in amongst the tatties keeps them fresh but mine always get eaten before they go off!

sluggy1967

Best way to store potatoes is in newspaper - I only discovered this recently & haven't had to throw away any manky potatoes since!!!!

dew@gatesheadmail.com

Stitch together to form a large bag two old teatowels, preferably the better quality ones like Irish linen. Immediately take potatoed from plastic bag and if possible store in a cool dark place. You can make a smaller bag for storing lesser quantities by using just one teatowel folded in half and stitched.

tankgirl1

update from my previos post on this thread- i have since been storing my spuds in the bottom of the fridge, inside an old pillowcase, and not a single one has sprouted :T :T

Ive also started to buy them from a local farmer too, so they are nice and dirty

Drummergirl_2

Sweet_Pea wrote:

There was an awful smell in my pantry this morning which I traced to a disgusting potato. I keep my spuds at the moment in a plastic stacker box type thing with lots of holes in the sides, in the pantry. They dont last long before they go sprouty and mouldy.
Where am I going wrong? Would they be better stored in the light or dark?

Hi,
I find a cardboard box works well punch a few holes in the sides, and they seem to keep for ages just sat on my kitchen floor. I think if you bunch spuds together they tend to sprout more.
Also if you are unfortunate enough to have them go green because the light has gotten to them (the chemical is solanin - I know I need to get out more) then just put them in a dark place and the process will reverse in a week or so.

Cinders2001

Well I have to say, that I also keep my veg in the fridge.
Its cold and dark and works well.

I have found that if the fridge is over crowded then the air does not circulate very well and THEN I will have problems.

The plastic bags should be removed though, as most has said.
I put mine in a tub with a grille at the bottom to keep them off the base......they last for at least a month ot more in these contitions......Try it!

looking_to_save_money

My mum told me to keep fresh veg in the fridge and its works a traet!!

Pots in 25kg brown sack from oue local farm shop, brought some last christamc and they lasted until March.... all for £5.25.... a lot cheaper than the supermarkets, and not in platsic bags which make them sweat!!

Oh winters coming and I love mash...... with bangers & gravy!!