How to Store Potatoes Safely: Avoiding Toxicity

Potatoes are a staple ingredient used in various dishes, and they are loved by many for their versatility. However, improper storage of potatoes can lead to serious health issues. Especially when potatoes sprout or turn green, toxic substances can form. If these are consumed, symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may occur, and in more severe cases, neurological symptoms like hallucinations and paralysis can develop. Therefore, how you store your potatoes can significantly affect not only their freshness but also their safety. This article will introduce methods to store potatoes safely.

The Key to Storing Potatoes: Ventilation and Proper Temperature

One of the most important factors when storing potatoes is ventilation. Potatoes need to be stored in a well-ventilated environment to maintain their freshness. Jerry James Stone, a famous American food blogger, recommends storing potatoes in paper bags. Paper bags allow air to circulate, preventing moisture from building up, which can cause potatoes to become soft or rot. On the contrary, storing potatoes in plastic bags or airtight containers can lead to moisture buildup, increasing the risk of spoilage. Wrapping potatoes in a breathable material like paper bags or cloth can help them stay fresh for longer.

Additionally, potatoes should be stored at a cool temperature of 7-10°C (45-50°F) to retain their freshness for the longest period. Storing potatoes in the refrigerator at too low a temperature can cause their starch to convert to sugar, resulting in a sweet taste and quicker spoilage. Therefore, it’s ideal to store potatoes in a cool, dark place instead of the refrigerator.

Store Potatoes in the Dark, Away from Light

When exposed to light, potatoes produce chlorophyll, causing them to turn green. This is a sign that solanine, a toxic substance, is increasing. Solanine is concentrated in the sprouts and green skin of potatoes. Solanine can cause digestive issues and, in severe cases, affect the nervous system, leading to hallucinations or paralysis. Therefore, it's essential to store potatoes in a dark place, away from light. If potatoes turn green or sprout, it’s safer to cut off those parts or discard the entire potato. Green potatoes can be very dangerous, so caution is necessary.

Store Potatoes Separately from Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Potatoes are highly sensitive to ethylene gas. Fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the sprouting and decay of potatoes. Exposure to ethylene gas causes potatoes to sprout easily, increasing the solanine concentration and raising the risk. Thus, it's best to store potatoes away from these fruits. Keeping potatoes at a distance from ethylene-emitting fruits will help them stay fresh for longer.

Can You Eat Sprouted Potatoes?

When potatoes sprout, the solanine concentration increases sharply, so it's best to avoid eating them. However, if you don't want to waste them, you can remove the sprouted parts deeply and cook the rest. If the entire potato has turned green or the sprouts are large, it is safer not to consume it. Symptoms of solanine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can affect the nervous system, causing paralysis, so caution is needed.

Common Mistakes When Storing Potatoes

• Storing Potatoes in the Refrigerator: When stored in the refrigerator, the starch in potatoes turns into sugar, altering the taste. Potatoes are best stored in a cool, dry place. The cold temperature of the refrigerator can degrade the quality of the potatoes.
• Using Plastic Bags: Plastic bags lack ventilation, causing potatoes to be exposed to moisture more easily. Moisture leads to softening or rotting, so it’s better to use paper bags or breathable cloth instead of plastic.
• Storing Potatoes with Apples or Bananas: Apples and bananas release ethylene gas, which accelerates the sprouting of potatoes. To prevent potatoes from sprouting, they should be stored separately from these fruits.

Foods to Avoid Storing with Potatoes

What you store near your potatoes matters as well. Potatoes are sensitive to ethylene gas, so be careful not to store them near ethylene-producing fruits like apples, bananas, and tomatoes. These fruits speed up the ripening and decay of potatoes, causing them to spoil faster. Storing potatoes separately helps keep them fresh for a longer time.

Creating the Right Environment for Storing Potatoes

To store potatoes for an extended period, creating the right environment is essential. Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, and keep them in a dark space. When exposed to light, potatoes produce chlorophyll, turning green and increasing the solanine concentration, making them toxic. Therefore, storing potatoes in a light-free area is the key to maintaining their freshness and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Potatoes

1. Can I wash potatoes before storing them? It’s not recommended to wash potatoes before storing them. Washing adds moisture, which can lead to spoilage during storage. It’s best to store potatoes unwashed, and if they are washed, they should be thoroughly dried before storing to prevent rot.
2. Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes? Sprouted potatoes contain increased solanine levels, which can be dangerous if consumed. If possible, avoid eating sprouted potatoes. If you must eat them, remove the sprouts deeply before cooking.
3. What if my potatoes have gone soft? Can I still eat them? Soft potatoes are a sign of decay and should not be consumed. If the potatoes have become significantly soft or emit a bad odor, it’s best to discard them immediately for safety.

Tips for Storing Potatoes

• Use Paper Bags: Paper bags provide excellent ventilation and help keep potatoes fresh for longer. If you don’t have paper bags, wrapping potatoes in a breathable cloth also works effectively.
• Store in a Dark Place: Potatoes should be kept away from light to prevent them from turning green and becoming toxic. Keeping them in a dark place ensures their freshness for a longer time.
• Store in a Cool Place: The ideal temperature for storing potatoes is between 7-10°C (45-50°F). Storing potatoes at too cold a temperature, like in the fridge, can cause the starch to turn into sugar, changing their taste.
• Store Separately from Ethylene-Producing Fruits: Apples, bananas, and tomatoes produce ethylene gas, which accelerates potato spoilage. Storing potatoes separately can help maintain their freshness for a longer period.
• Avoid Stacking Potatoes: Stacking too many potatoes can restrict airflow, increasing the risk of spoilage. It’s better to space them out to allow proper ventilation.

Conclusion

Storing potatoes safely is not just about keeping them fresh, but also about protecting your health. By storing potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, you can maintain their freshness for up to six months. Also, be sure to store them away from ethylene-producing fruits and keep them out of direct light. By following these methods, you can enjoy fresh potatoes for longer while keeping your family safe from potential toxins.