How can a large number of potatoes not sprout

Storing a large amount of potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark environment can effectively inhibit germination. The main methods include low-temperature refrigeration, cardboard box storage, apple suppression, sand burial, and ventilation to avoid light.

1. Low temperature refrigeration

Placing potatoes in the refrigerator compartment can delay germination, and the temperature should be controlled at 4-6 degrees Celsius. Refrigeration can reduce potato respiration and inhibit auxin activity at the bud and eye sites. Pay attention to wiping off surface moisture before refrigeration, avoid sealing with plastic bags, and use breathable mesh bags or paper bags for packaging to prevent condensation and mold. Potatoes that have already sprouted or have green skin should not be refrigerated for consumption.

2. Storage in cardboard boxes

Use dry cardboard boxes to store potatoes in layers, with newspapers or kitchen paper on each layer to absorb moisture. The cardboard box needs to be punched to maintain ventilation and placed in a stable temperature corner of the home. The ink components in newspapers can adsorb ethylene gas and slow down potato metabolism. Regularly inspect and remove rotten individuals to avoid cross contamination. This method is suitable for short-term storage of potatoes weighing less than 10 kilograms.

3. Apple inhibition

Mixing 2-3 intact apples into a pile of potatoes, the ethylene gas released by the apples can block the division of potato bud eye cells. It is necessary to ensure that the apples are not rotten and are replaced weekly. The best effect is to pair 1 apple with every 5 kilograms of potatoes. This method has a significant effect on freshly harvested potatoes, and the storage time can be extended to more than 2 months.

4. Sand burial

Dry sand and potatoes shall be laid alternately in the cellar or foam box, and the thickness of sand shall be kept 3-5 cm. Sand can stabilize humidity at around 60%, isolate from light and regulate temperature. Remove damaged potatoes before burial and inspect them every two weeks by flipping them over. Traditional methods can preserve potatoes for six months without sprouting, making them suitable for large-scale storage in rural areas.

5. Ventilation and Light Avoidance

Cover the potato basket with black blackout cloth and place it on an overhead ventilated storage rack. Dark environments can inhibit the production of solanine, while overhead designs can prevent the intrusion of moisture from the ground. It is recommended that the environmental humidity should not exceed 70% and windows should be opened regularly for ventilation. The use of bamboo woven containers is more effective and suitable for bulk storage in the catering industry.

In addition to the above methods, it is recommended to store potatoes separately from root vegetables such as onions and ginger to avoid mutual sprouting. Potatoes that have slightly sprouted can be thoroughly cooked and consumed after removing the bud eye and surrounding tissues, but potatoes with severe germination or green skin should be discarded due to high solanine content. When storing for a long time, it is preferred to choose potatoes with intact skin and no mechanical damage. Different varieties have significant differences in storage tolerance, and purple skinned potatoes are usually more resistant to storage than yellow skinned potatoes. During storage, check once a month and promptly deal with deteriorated individuals to extend the overall shelf life.