What are the good ways to prevent potatoes from sprouting

The main methods to prevent potato sprouts are to keep them dry, store them away from light, store them at low temperatures, avoid damage, and use apples as a supplement.

1. Keep it dry

Potatoes are prone to sprouting in humid environments, and should be stored in a dry environment. Potatoes can be placed in well ventilated cardboard boxes or bamboo baskets to avoid direct contact with the ground. A humid environment can accelerate the evaporation of water inside potatoes, causing the skin to soften and promoting bud germination. Regularly check the humidity of the storage environment, and if necessary, place desiccants to absorb moisture.

2. Avoid light storage

Direct sunlight can promote the production of solanine in potatoes and accelerate germination. It is recommended to store potatoes in a cool and dark cabinet or basement, and wrap them in black plastic bags to block out light. Light activated chlorophyll synthesis in potato epidermis not only causes the epidermis to turn green and produce toxins, but also stimulates bud eye cell division. It is best to use opaque ceramic jars or wooden boxes as storage containers.

3. Low temperature refrigeration

Placing potatoes in the refrigerator compartment at 4-8 degrees Celsius can effectively inhibit germination. Low temperature can delay the respiration and enzyme activity of potatoes, but attention should be paid to avoiding frostbite caused by low temperature. Before refrigeration, dry the surface moisture and wrap it with kitchen paper to prevent condensation from accumulating. Store separately to avoid contact with other vegetables and fruits, and prevent ethylene gas from ripening.

4. Avoid damage

Potatoes with damaged skin are more likely to rot and sprout. Handle with care during harvesting and transportation, and remove individuals with mechanical injuries before storage. Wounds accelerate water loss and provide a pathway for mold invasion, and the damaged area often begins to sprout adventitious buds. When selecting, high-quality potatoes with intact skin and sunken bud holes should be chosen.

5. Using apple assistance

to put 1-2 apples in a potato storage container can delay germination. The ethylene gas released by apples can inhibit the division of potato bud eye cells, but apples need to be replaced weekly to prevent decay. This method is suitable for short-term storage, and it is recommended to control the ratio of apples to potatoes at around 1:10. It should be noted that ethylene may accelerate the conversion of potato starch, and prolonged storage can affect the taste.

In addition to the above methods, it is recommended to regularly inspect stored potatoes and promptly remove individuals that have sprouted or spoiled. Sprouted potatoes can accumulate a large amount of solanine around their sprout eyes, which may cause poisoning when consumed. Potatoes and onions can be stored separately, as the sulfides released by onions can accelerate potato spoilage. When purchasing, choose fresh and hard potatoes to avoid hoarding too much at once. Reasonably control storage capacity, follow the first in, first out principle, and ensure that it is consumed within the optimal consumption period. For potatoes that have slightly sprouted, thoroughly remove the bud holes and surrounding tissues and heat them thoroughly before consumption.