Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables (Image: Getty)
Whether making chips or roasties, potatoes are a staple item in many people’s food shops.
However, when a potato sprouts, the tubers start to regrow, which can cause the to lose its flavour.
They can also begin to change colour, and once they turn green, they shouldn’t be consumed.
The experts from Tesco Real Food have shared properly, and according to the pros, this can make them last “for months”.
The pros said: “By following a few simple steps, you can keep your potatoes as fresh as the day you bought them for up to six months.”
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Potatoes need air circulation, so it’s important not to suffocate them in a plastic bag.
They’re best kept in a mesh or paper bag and away from other fresh produce, particularly onions, as they release ethylene gas.
This means your fruits and vegetables will ripen one another too quickly, so your potatoes should be stored away.
The experts explained: “Potatoes must be kept in a cool, dark place; otherwise, the light will cause them to photosynthesise and sprout.
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“Plus, the temperature must be below 10C. So, if you want your spuds to stay in tip-top condition, we recommend popping them in a paper bag and stashing them away in a dark place of your choosing, like a porch cupboard or garden shed.”
It’s important not to wash the potatoes before storing them as this adds moisture and can encourage them to sprout.
If you buy potatoes and they are dirty, try brushing them to get rid of most of the dirt.
Another good hack is to put the potatoes on a sheet of newspaper when storing them, as this can toughen them up, according to the pros.
Leaving them here for a couple of weeks in a dark space can help them get used to those conditions.
Where to store food (Image: EXPRESS)
The experts continued: “Potatoes go green when exposed to light. The green bit contains toxins, so it is not safe to eat; however, if you ensure it’s thoroughly removed before cooking, the rest of the spud is edible.
“If the skin starts to sag or the flesh feels squidgy this is a surefire sign these potatoes are long past their best.
“A fresh potato smells like the ground it’s grown in, but a potato that’s gone bad will smell mouldy or musty.”
However, using the storage tips above is a great way to ensure that the vegetables don’t turn bad.