How to avoid potato sprouting

Avoiding potato sprouting can be achieved by controlling the humidity of the storage environment, maintaining low temperatures and avoiding light, avoiding mixing with ripening vegetables and fruits, regularly checking and removing sprouting individuals, and using breathable containers for storage.

1. Control the humidity of the storage environment

Potatoes require a suitable humidity environment for germination, and it is recommended to control the relative humidity of the storage space between 60% and 70%. Excessive humidity can accelerate germination and mold growth. Dry newspapers or sawdust can be placed at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture. Avoid direct contact with the ground or walls to prevent moisture regain.

2. Keep low temperature and avoid light

Temperatures above 8 degrees Celsius will activate dormant potato bud eyes, and the ideal storage temperature is 4-8 degrees Celsius. You can put unwashed potatoes in black plastic bags and place them in a cool and ventilated place or in the drawer of the refrigerator. Be careful to avoid direct sunlight as it can promote the production of solanine.

Thirdly, avoid mixing with ripening vegetables and fruits.

Ethylene gas released from apples, bananas, etc. can accelerate potato germination. When storing, it should be kept at a distance of at least 1 meter from such fruits, or stored in separate cabinets. Although onions can inhibit bacteria, they can also stimulate potato germination and should not be mixed together.

4. Regularly check and remove sprouting individuals

Check the stored potatoes every week and promptly remove any individuals with bud points exceeding 2 millimeters or skin wrinkles. Slightly sprouted potatoes can have their bud eyes and surrounding 1 centimeter thick flesh removed, and then be thoroughly heated before consumption, but the nutrients have been significantly lost.

Fifth, use breathable containers to store

Breathable containers such as bamboo baskets and burlap bags are more conducive to potato preservation than plastic bags. The stacking height inside the container should not exceed 30 centimeters to ensure air circulation. New and old potatoes should be stored separately, and newly harvested potatoes should be dried to remove surface moisture before being stored in the warehouse.

In addition to the above methods, choose intact and scar free potatoes when purchasing. Varieties with dry skin and sunken bud eyes are more resistant to storage. Short term salt water soaking method can be used to delay germination. After washing the potatoes, soak them in 3% salt water for 10 minutes, air dry and store. Potatoes with severe sprouting contain a large amount of solanine, which may cause poisoning symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to dispose of them directly. Potatoes can be purchased in small batches on a daily basis to reduce long-term storage requirements.