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How to Store Potatoes

Learn how to store potatoes in a cool, dark, ventilated place, avoid sprouting and spoilage, troubleshoot common issues, and review FAQs.

Food & CookingEdited by Pramod Tiwari
2 min read

Quick Answer

To store potatoes, keep them unwashed in a cool, dark, dry, well-ventilated place away from onions, sunlight, heat, and sealed plastic bags.

Storage Supplies

  • Paper bag, basket, or ventilated bin
  • Cool dark pantry or cabinet
  • Dry towel if potatoes are damp
  • Separate storage from onions
  • Regular inspection routine

Safety Precautions

  • Do not eat potatoes that are rotten, moldy, very soft, or smell bad.
  • Cut away small green spots only if the rest of the potato is firm; discard heavily green potatoes.
  • Keep potatoes away from sunlight.
  • Do not store raw potatoes in sealed wet bags.
  • Wash potatoes only before cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Inspect potatoes

    Remove potatoes that are soft, moldy, cut, or leaking.

  2. Step 2

    Keep them dry

    Do not wash before storage; dry damp potatoes gently.

  3. Step 3

    Choose ventilation

    Use a basket, paper bag, or ventilated container.

  4. Step 4

    Store in darkness

    Put potatoes in a dark pantry, cabinet, or cellar-like spot.

  5. Step 5

    Avoid heat

    Keep them away from ovens, windows, and appliances.

  6. Step 6

    Separate onions

    Store onions separately because they can encourage sprouting.

  7. Step 7

    Check weekly

    Remove sprouting or spoiled potatoes before they affect the rest.

Practical Example

Example: You move potatoes from a plastic bag into a paper bag, place them in a dark pantry, and check weekly for sprouts.

Common Mistakes

  • Storing in sealed plastic
  • Washing before storage
  • Keeping near onions
  • Leaving in sunlight
  • Ignoring one rotten potato
  • Storing near heat

Troubleshooting

Potatoes sprout quickly

Move them to a cooler, darker, better-ventilated spot.

Potatoes turned green

Keep them away from light and discard heavily green potatoes.

Potatoes are wet in the bag

Remove them, dry gently, and store in a ventilated container.

One potato smells bad

Discard it and inspect the rest immediately.

FAQs

Should potatoes be stored in the fridge?

A cool pantry is usually better for raw potatoes; refrigeration can affect texture and cooking results.

Can I store potatoes with onions?

It is better to store them separately.

Should I wash potatoes before storing?

No. Wash them right before cooking.

Can I eat sprouted potatoes?

Small sprouts on firm potatoes can be removed, but discard soft, green, or spoiled potatoes.

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