![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/14\/590x\/secondary\/Chef-shares-how-to-keep-potatoes-fresh-for-months-with-four-crucial-storage-tips-4920451.jpg?r=1692642808302\")
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2. Never wash<\/b><\/h3>\n
Peter added: \u201cAnother crucial tip for extending their shelf life that many people overlook is never washing your potatoes before storing them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile it\u2019s tempting to rinse off the dirt immediately, doing so can introduce moisture, which promotes the growth of mould and bacteria. I\u2019d recommend leaving them dry and only washing them right before you\u2019re ready to cook.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. Location and temperature<\/b><\/h3>\n
Storing potatoes also requires some \u201cstrategic thinking\u201d about location, and it can help the potatoes last a lot longer and taste better.<\/p>\n
The chef continued: \u201cIt\u2019s best to pop your paper or mesh bag in a dark area like your kitchen cupboard, as direct exposure to light prompts potatoes to produce a green pigment called chlorophyll.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cWhile chlorophyll itself is harmless, its presence in potatoes can indicate the production of solanine, which is a natural toxin.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis not only gives the potatoes a bitter taste but, in larger quantities, can be harmful to eat. Temperature also plays a pivotal role too.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough you might assume that chilling your potatoes in the fridge keeps them fresher for longer, it can actually have the opposite effect.\u201d<\/p>\n The cold temperatures can cause the starch in potatoes to convert into sugar, altering their flavour and consistency when cooked.<\/p>\n However, this can be hard during the summer months when the warmer temperatures cause them to spoil more quickly.<\/p>\n This means Britons should opt for a dark cupboard, basement or even a garden shed which should be the ideal temperature of 10C.<\/p>\n Peter said this will help to keep potatoes \u201cfresh for months\u201d. He added: \u201cJust remember to keep checking on them every few days for any signs of rot, mould or excessive sprouting.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also important to store your potatoes separately from certain fresh fruit and vegetables, especially onions. Onions emit ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent that can speed up the sprouting of potatoes.<\/p>\n \u201cPlus, potatoes have a porous nature, meaning they easily soak up smells around them. So, if stored with onions, your dishes could end up with an unintended onion flavour.\u201d<\/p>\n
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