Whether used for mashing or for roasting, potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables and a staple of many people’s food shops.
They can even have a great shelf life, lasting for months if they are stored properly.
However, they can sprout, turn green and wrinkle quite quickly if they aren’t stored correctly.
Luckily, Tesco has shared “easy-to-follow” advice when it comes to storing the vegetable in your kitchen.
They said: “By following a few simple steps, you can keep your potatoes nearly as fresh as the day you bought them, for up to six months.
“Your spuds need air circulation, so don’t suffocate them in a plastic bag. They’re best kept in a mesh or paper bag.
“It’s also crucial that potatoes are stored away from other fresh produce, particularly onions, as they release ethylene gas.
“This means that your fruits and veggies will ripen one another too quickly, so your potatoes should be stored separately to stop this.
“Potatoes must be kept in a cool, dark place. Otherwise, light will cause them to photosynthesise and sprout.”
The temperature must be below 10C, so Tesco recommended a porch cupboard or even a garden shed.
It’s important not to wash the potatoes until they are ready to be eaten, as this can add moisture and encourage sprouting.
Check every few weeks to ensure that there aren’t any sprouted or spoiled potatoes in the batch as this can ruin all the hard work.
Tesco added: “Potatoes go green when exposed to light. The green bit contains toxins, so is not safe to eat, however, if you ensure it’s thoroughly removed before cooking, the rest of the spud is edible.
“If the skin starts to sag, the fresh feel squidgy or is even wet to the touch, this is a surefire sign these potatoes are long past their best.
“A fresh potato smells like the ground it’s grown in, but a potato that’s gone bad will smell mouldy or musty.”
To limit leftovers, try not to buy too many potatoes at once or make sure they are all used up.
Tesco noted: “You can freeze potatoes, or cook them whenever the mood takes you.”
