Tips for Storing Potatoes Without Turning Green or Sprouting

Potatoes are a popular food due to their easy storage, nutritional value, and versatility in cooking, such as in soups, stews, frying, and baking.

Usually, people store potatoes in the kitchen for convenience. However, if potatoes are not stored properly, their skin will turn green and sprout. Potatoes with green skin and sprouts produce toxic substances that are not good for health.

To store potatoes, you don't need to put them in the refrigerator. Here are some methods you can apply:

1.  Storing Potatoes with Baking Soda

You need a clean cardboard box. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda at the bottom of the box, then arrange the potatoes on top. Cover the potatoes with a layer of paper or newspaper, sprinkle more baking soda, and continue layering the potatoes until the box is full. Use a final layer of newspaper on top to absorb moisture. Place the box in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.

Baking soda will help prevent the potatoes from turning green and stop them from sprouting.

2.  Storing Potatoes with Apples

You can store potatoes together with apples to prevent them from sprouting. First, select the potatoes carefully, removing any that are damaged. Do not wash the potatoes with water, as this will cause them to spoil faster. The dirt on the potatoes also serves as a natural protective layer.

Place the potatoes in a clean box and add a few apples. Apples release ethylene gas, which helps prevent potato sprouting.

Store the potato box in a dry, cool place.

It is advisable to check periodically and replace the apples when they show signs of spoiling.

3.  Storing Potatoes with Plastic Wrap

If you only need to store a small amount of potatoes, wrap each potato tightly with plastic wrap, squeezing out all excess air. Then, place the wrapped potatoes in a black or paper bag to block out the light. Keeping potatoes in the dark will prevent them from undergoing photosynthesis, thus stopping sprouting.

Squeeze out all the air in the plastic bag and tie the bag tightly. Store it in a dry, cool place.