It turns out that storing potatoes is actually very simple. By sprinkling a handful of salt or using a few other easy methods, you can keep potatoes fresh without them drying out or sprouting for an entire year. This is especially useful during the autumn season when many people start stocking up on potatoes for long-term use. If you haven't yet learned the proper way to store potatoes, now is the perfect time to try these techniques.

Potatoes are notorious for sprouting, turning green, and shriveling within just a few days if not stored correctly. When potatoes sprout, they release toxic substances that can be harmful to your health if consumed. Therefore, knowing how to store potatoes properly is crucial to maintain their freshness, prevent discoloration, and avoid sprouting over time.

So, what’s the secret to keeping potatoes from going bad?

First, let's talk about storage. The initial recommendation is to buy only as many potatoes as you will use for a few meals. Smaller quantities are easier to use before they spoil. However, to prevent potatoes from turning green or sprouting, here’s a simple trick: store them in a black plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag tightly.

When potatoes are kept away from light, they will not turn green. By storing them in a black plastic bag in a cool, well-ventilated place, you can keep them fresh for up to two weeks. The plastic bag retains moisture while also shielding the potatoes from sunlight, helping to prevent discoloration.

Another method is to store potatoes together with apples. Place one apple inside the plastic bag with the potatoes. Apples release ethylene gas, which naturally slows down sprouting. After inserting the apple, seal the bag tightly and remove excess air. Using this method, potatoes can remain fresh for about a month without sprouting or turning green.

A third approach is to use plastic wrap. If you buy a larger quantity of potatoes and need to store them for one or two months, wrap each potato individually with plastic wrap and then place them in a black plastic bag. This prevents direct exposure to air, preserves moisture, and helps prevent spoilage. Stored in a cool place, this method can keep potatoes fresh for two to three months.

You can also place the individually wrapped potatoes in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and safe to use for two to three months without any issues.

The fourth method involves using a cardboard box, which is particularly suitable for households in northern regions where winters are cold. Here's a step-by-step guide to this traditional method:

First, prepare a cardboard box, which could even be a repurposed shipping box. The size of the box depends on the number of potatoes you want to store. Next, line the box with some newspaper or tissue paper. Newspaper helps absorb excess moisture, keeping the potatoes dry and preventing mold.

Then, spread a layer of dried tea leaves on top of the newspaper. Tea leaves naturally absorb moisture and eliminate odors, keeping the storage environment dry and fresh. After this, add another layer of newspaper and start placing the potatoes in the box.

An important note: do not wash off the dirt on the potatoes. The thin layer of soil actually acts as a natural protective barrier. Washing it away makes the potatoes more prone to spoilage and harder to store for long periods. Additionally, always remove any potatoes that appear rotten to prevent the spread of decay to other potatoes.

After arranging one layer of potatoes, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on top. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing moisture and helps prevent sprouting or greening. Then, add another layer of newspaper and continue layering potatoes, alternating with baking soda and newspaper.

Finally, close the cardboard box and place it in a cool, ventilated area. Storing potatoes in a cardboard box shields them from light, prevents green discoloration, and maintains moisture. Using this method, potatoes can stay fresh for up to a year without risk of spoiling.

Additionally, for long-term storage, consider checking your potatoes every few weeks to ensure none are beginning to spoil. Rotting potatoes can quickly affect the others, so timely removal is essential. This extra step, though simple, ensures that your stock remains healthy and ready for use throughout the year.