Keep potatoes fresh for Christmas dinner by storing them next to 1 fruit

are often a top priority on shopping lists at this time of year, as they are at the heart of many winter meals and a key ingredient for many side dishes—especially during .

Last year, the cost of an average ranged from £33.80 to £52.68 per person, depending on the supermarket, according to Statista.

The reported that, alongside rising inflation, the price of Christmas dinners had been steadily increasing, with a 4.3 percent hike from 2022, and further price increases are expected in 2024.

To help you save money and avoid the Christmas rush, storage specialists at have shared some helpful tips on how to keep food fresh for longer, ensuring you get the most out of your festive meals.

Their easy potato storage hack promises to extend their lifespan by up to two weeks, so you can buy them in the lead up to the holidays and store them for quite some time.

They explained: “Potatoes last longest when stored in a dark, cool place, such as a cupboard.

“You should ensure your potatoes are well-ventilated to avoid sprouting, so never store them in airtight containers. Instead keep your potatoes in a netted/paper bag or a wicker basket instead.”

They also highlighted that potato bags are often porous, so adding an apple to the bag can help keep your potatoes fresh for longer.

While ethylene gas from apples accelerates the ripening of fruit, in small amounts, it actually helps preserve potatoes and can extend their shelf life by a week or two. For the best results, ensure that the storage container is well-ventilated.

Another lesser-known tip that might come in handy this Christmas is rubbing a thin layer of butter on the cut surfaces before refrigerating cheese.

For hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss, wrap the cheese in a paper towel lightly dampened with vinegar, then cover it with plastic wrap and place it in a plastic bag.

Alternatively, you can apply a thin coating of olive or vegetable oil to the cheese’s surface before storing it in an airtight container.

This oil barrier helps keep mould at bay, allowing you to easily rinse off any mould that develops.

Instead of plastic, use parchment or cheese paper for wrapping, as these materials allow the cheese to breathe, maintaining its flavour and preventing bacterial growth. This method can help keep your cheese fresh for up to a few extra weeks.