There is an easy way to solve the problem if the potatoes sprout before you can cook them.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Store Potatoes Properly
Step 1. Store potatoes in a cool place
The ideal temperature is 7 - 10 ° C. Storage at 4 to 6 ° C will also not affect the taste and texture of the vegetable. Whichever place is chosen for storage, the temperature there must be constant. Too frequent temperature fluctuations will cause the potatoes to sprout and spoil.
All potatoes stored below 5 ° C should be used within 6-8 months. If the potatoes are stored at temperatures above 5 ° C, use them within 3-4 months
Step 2. The storage location must be dry and the potato stocks must not be washed
Wash the vegetable just before you cook it. Otherwise, moisture will remain inside the peel and the potatoes will rot earlier.
Storing in a place that is too dry will cause the vegetable to dry out. If this happens, you just need to move the potatoes to a place with high humidity of about 80-90 percent. Provide good air circulation in the room, otherwise the potatoes will start to rot
Step 3. You can create the necessary conditions for proper air circulation by storing potatoes in a paper bag
Avoid using plastic bags that trap heat and moisture. A net or perforated plastic bag is fine as it allows air to move freely and prevents the potatoes from drying out. Suitable containers can also be used:
- Baskets
- Carton boxes
- Cotton or muslin bags
- Wooden crates or boxes
Step 4. Store potatoes in a dark place
The ideal place would be: basement, wardrobe, wardrobe or garage. A lot of light, especially sunlight, encourages the potatoes to sprout. Also, the potato will begin to produce the chemical solanine, which gives a bitter taste to its taste, while the color of the fruit acquires a green tint.
Before cooking the vegetable, you should cut off the green areas of the rind. If the fruit turns green, simply discard the potatoes
Step 5. You should not store potatoes in places subject to heat
Such places include cabinets under the washbasin, areas next to large household appliances, such as a stove or refrigerator. Potatoes begin to sprout as soon as they get warm.
Method 2 of 2: Alternative Ways to Properly Store Potatoes
Step 1. Do not store potatoes next to onions, apples, bananas, pears and other fruits
There is a lot of controversy over whether apples can prevent potato sprouting. Recent studies have shown that apples emit ethylene gas, which, on the contrary, stimulates the processes occurring in potatoes. The same studies showed that an apple lying next to a potato soon becomes soft and wrinkled.
Some people argue that one or two apples keep the potatoes from sprouting
Step 2. Store certain types of herbs next to the potatoes
Research has shown that lavender, rosemary, and sage contain oils that keep potatoes from rotting. These same oils do not allow it to germinate.
Step 3. Try using either regular or peppermint essential oils
Saturate a small piece of paper with essential oil and place in a container of potatoes. Studies have shown that these oils slow down the processes in potatoes.
- Renew essential oil every 2-3 weeks if necessary.
- Do not use this method if the container is made of metal or plastic. Essential oils harm these materials.
- Clove essential oil can also be used, but it requires thermal or aerosol application, so it is not recommended to use it inside the home.
Step 4. Remember that the potatoes will eventually sprout in 1-4 months
Nothing lasts forever, especially food. You can slow down the germination process, but in the end the vegetable will still deteriorate and germinate. Depending on the variety, potatoes begin to sprout within 30 to 140 days. Some people believe that some varieties last longer than others: Katadin, Yellow Fin and Yukon Gold.
When storing several varieties of potatoes at once, eat perishable ones first
Advice
- Try not to store potatoes for too long in late winter / early spring; this is the time of natural growth.
- Plant sprouted potatoes, don't throw them away.
- A humid environment is great for potatoes, but conditions will not be suitable if there is not enough air circulation.
- Check the potatoes every few weeks to get rid of the rotten ones. If you don't, the rest of the potatoes will rot as well.
- If you don't have a dry, dark place in your kitchen, then try storing potatoes in a cupboard.
- When storing potatoes in the basement, keep them on the concrete floor in a paper, cloth bag or basket.
Warnings
- Never leave potatoes in plastic bags as they are more likely to sprout and rot.
- Try not to refrigerate potatoes. Cool rooms are great for storing potatoes, but too low temperatures will spoil the texture of the vegetables and darken them. If potatoes have to be refrigerated, allow them to reach room temperature before cooking.
- Never eat sprouted or green potatoes. Always cut off sprouted or green areas. Discard potatoes if they become soft or shriveled.
- Symptoms of potato poisoning include diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, trouble breathing, and vomiting. The presence of any of them is a reason to see a doctor.