How to prevent potatoes from sprouting and store them for a long time

The key to preventing potato germination and long-term storage is to control temperature, humidity, light, and ventilation conditions. There are mainly methods such as storing in the dark, drying at low temperatures, isolating from air, conducting regular inspections, and avoiding mixing.

1. Avoid light storage

Potatoes require light stimulation during germination, and it is recommended to store them in black plastic bags or opaque cardboard boxes. Dark environments such as cellars and cabinets are more suitable for long-term storage, avoiding direct sunlight or prolonged exposure to light. A layer of newspaper can be placed inside the storage container to further block light.

2. Low temperature drying

Placing potatoes in an environment of 10-15 degrees Celsius can effectively delay germination. They can be placed in an unsealed cardboard box in a cool place on the balcony. The humidity of the storage environment should be maintained at 60% -70%. If the humidity is too high, it is prone to decay. Food desiccants or charcoal can be placed to absorb moisture. Do not refrigerate, low temperatures can promote the conversion of starch into sugar, affecting the taste.

Third, isolate the air

Store potatoes together with apples or bananas, as the ethylene gas released by the fruit can inhibit the activity of potato sprouts. Mix 1 apple for every 5 kilograms of potatoes and place them in a perforated plastic bag to maintain slight ventilation. You can also completely cover potatoes with fine sand, with a sand layer thickness of about 5 centimeters. This method can be stored for several months without sprouting.

Fourth, Regular Inspection

Flip and inspect potatoes every week to promptly remove individuals whose skin has turned green, softened, or has sprouted. The sprouting site and surrounding tissues will accumulate solanine toxin. If the sprouting point is found, immediately dig out the surrounding 1 centimeter thick flesh. Slightly rotten potatoes can accelerate the spoilage of other individuals and require immediate isolation and treatment.

Fifth, avoid mixing

Potatoes should not be mixed with volatile ingredients such as onions and ginger, as these substances can accelerate potato metabolism. New and old potatoes should be placed separately, as old potatoes are more prone to sprouting. When purchasing, individuals with intact skin and no mechanical damage will be selected, and new shoots will preferentially sprout from damaged areas.

No need to clean before storage, the surface soil can protect the potato skin. A small amount of storage can be cooked and frozen, but the taste may deteriorate. Potatoes with severe sprouting are prohibited from consumption, and solanine toxins cannot be completely decomposed even when cooked at high temperatures. It is recommended to purchase in batches according to the amount of food consumed, and it is best to control the household storage within two weeks. When the storage environment temperature rises, potatoes can be temporarily transferred to an air-conditioned room for cooling treatment.