Wondering about potatoes in the fridge? It’s a question many cooks, especially beginners, ask. You see them in the pantry or on the counter, but then you hear conflicting advice.
Don’t worry, figuring out how to store potatoes is simple. We’ll walk you through the best way to keep them fresh and tasty, so you can enjoy delicious meals every time. Get ready to learn the easy steps!
Storing Potatoes Correctly
Do Potatoes Belong In The Refrigerator
Many people wonder, “Are potatoes supposed to be refrigerated?” The short answer is generally no, but there are some exceptions and important details to consider. Storing potatoes correctly is key to keeping them fresh, preventing them from spoiling too quickly, and maintaining their taste and texture. For most types of potatoes, the cold, humid environment of a refrigerator is not ideal and can actually cause them to change in undesirable ways.
When you put regular potatoes in the fridge, the starch in them turns into sugar. This can make the potatoes taste a little sweet. It also causes them to turn a bit brown or even black when you cook them, especially when fried.
This is because of a chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction, which is affected by the increased sugar content.
So, for common potatoes like Russets, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes, the best place is somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Think of a pantry, a cellar, or a cupboard that doesn’t get too warm. This kind of storage helps them last longer and keeps them in perfect condition for cooking.
The Best Way To Store Potatoes
To keep your potatoes in top shape, follow these simple rules. You want to find a spot that is:
- Cool: Aim for temperatures between 45°F and 55°F (7°C and 13°C). Your kitchen counter might get too warm, and the fridge is usually colder than this.
- Dark: Light can make potatoes turn green. This green part is called solanine, and while a little is harmless, a lot can make the potato taste bitter and can be unhealthy if eaten in large amounts.
- Dry: Moisture can cause potatoes to rot or sprout. Make sure they are not wet when you store them.
- Well-Ventilated: Potatoes need to breathe. Store them in a mesh bag, a paper bag with holes poked in it, or a basket. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can lead to spoilage.
Keeping potatoes in their original packaging or a breathable container is also a good idea. If you buy them in a plastic bag, transfer them to something more breathable as soon as you get home.
Why Not Refrigerate Most Potatoes
The main reason to avoid refrigerating most potatoes is the change in starch to sugar. This transformation affects how they cook and taste. For instance, when you try to make french fries from refrigerated potatoes, they might not get as crispy and can develop an unappetizing sweetness or even a slightly burned exterior before the inside is cooked.
Another issue is that the cold can affect the texture of the potato, making it mushy or watery when cooked. While some cooking methods can mask these changes, it’s best to avoid them if you want the best results for your meals.
The greening that happens due to light exposure is also a concern. While you can cut away small green spots, extensive greening indicates higher solanine levels. Proper dark storage prevents this problem.
When Refrigeration Might Be Okay
There are specific types of potatoes and situations where refrigeration might be considered, though it’s still not the typical recommendation.
Pre-Cut or Cooked Potatoes
If you have bought pre-cut potatoes, or if you have cooked potatoes that you plan to use later, then refrigeration is necessary. Raw, whole potatoes are the ones we generally advise against refrigerating. Once a potato is cut or cooked, it needs to be kept cold to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
Specific Potato Varieties
Some newer varieties of potatoes have been bred to be more resistant to the sugar conversion that happens in the cold. However, these are less common, and for most standard potatoes found in grocery stores, the general rule applies. If you have a special variety, it might be worth checking the packaging or the grower’s recommendations.
How To Store Different Types Of Potatoes
Understanding the differences between potato types can help you store them best.
Russet Potatoes
Russets are starchy and dry, making them perfect for baking and mashing. They are highly susceptible to sugar conversion in the fridge. Always store Russets in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Red Potatoes and Other Waxy Potatoes
Waxy potatoes, like red potatoes, fingerlings, and new potatoes, have less starch and more moisture. They hold their shape well when cooked. While they are less prone to the dramatic sugar changes of starchy potatoes, the cold and humidity of the fridge can still affect their texture, making them watery.
The best storage is still cool, dark, and dry.
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Golds are an all-purpose potato with a creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavor. They are neither as starchy as Russets nor as waxy as red potatoes. Similar to other standard varieties, they do best when stored at room temperature in a dark, cool, and dry environment.
Signs Your Potatoes Are Going Bad
It’s important to know when your potatoes are no longer good to eat. Watch out for these signs:
- Sprouting: Small sprouts are a sign that the potato is trying to grow. While you can still eat potatoes with a few sprouts (just cut them off), excessive sprouting means the potato is losing moisture and nutrients.
- Softness and Wrinkling: If potatoes feel soft, mushy, or their skin is wrinkled, they are likely past their prime due to moisture loss or spoilage.
- Green Spots: As mentioned, green spots are due to solanine. Cut away small green areas. If a large portion of the potato is green, it’s best to discard it.
- Mold or Rot: Any signs of mold, fuzzy growth, or soft, rotten spots mean the potato is spoiled and should be thrown away immediately.
- Unpleasant Odor: A strong, unpleasant smell indicates that the potato has begun to rot.
How Long Do Potatoes Last
When stored properly in a cool, dark, and dry place, whole, unpeeled potatoes can last for several weeks, sometimes even a few months. The exact duration depends on the type of potato, their initial freshness, and the storage conditions.
For example, dense, thick-skinned potatoes like Russets tend to last longer than thinner-skinned varieties. Once you cut or peel a potato, its shelf life is significantly reduced. Cut potatoes should ideally be used within a day or two and stored in the refrigerator.
Comparing Storage Methods
Let’s compare the common storage methods for potatoes.
| Storage Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool Dark Pantry/Cupboard | Keeps potatoes fresh for weeks, prevents greening, maintains texture and flavor. | Requires a suitable space that stays consistently cool and dark. | All common varieties of raw, whole potatoes. |
| Refrigerator | Can extend shelf life for cut or cooked potatoes, prevents sprouting in the short term. | Causes starch to convert to sugar in raw potatoes, affecting taste and cooking properties; can make textures mushy. | Cut or cooked potatoes only. |
| Warm, Bright Location | None | Speeds up sprouting and spoilage, promotes greening. | No potato type. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I wash potatoes before storing them
Answer: It’s best not to wash potatoes before storing them. Any excess moisture can encourage spoilage and rot. If your potatoes are dirty, gently brush off any loose soil, but save the washing for right before you plan to cook them.
Question: What if my kitchen is warm
Answer: If your kitchen is too warm, try to find the coolest, darkest spot available, like a cupboard away from the oven or a basement if you have one. You can also store them in a paper bag with holes, which offers a bit more protection and can help them last longer than if they are just loose.
Question: How do I store sweet potatoes
Answer: Sweet potatoes are stored differently than regular potatoes. They prefer slightly warmer temperatures, around 55°F to 65°F (13°C to 18°C), and good ventilation. They also do not do well in the refrigerator, as the cold can damage their texture and flavor, making them hard and sweet.
Question: Can I freeze potatoes
Answer: It is generally not recommended to freeze raw potatoes. Freezing raw potatoes will break down their cell walls, making them mushy and watery when thawed. Cooked potatoes, like French fries or mashed potatoes, can be frozen, but their texture might change.
Question: How can I make potatoes last longer
Answer: To make potatoes last longer, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. Ensure they have good air circulation and are not piled too high. Keep them away from onions, as onions release gases that can cause potatoes to sprout and spoil faster.
Final Thoughts
Storing potatoes is simple once you know the best way. For most raw, whole potatoes, skip the fridge. Find a cool, dark, and dry spot with good airflow.
This keeps their starch and sugar balance right, so they cook and taste great. Avoid light to prevent greening and moisture to stop rot. For cut or cooked potatoes, the refrigerator is the place to be.
Follow these tips, and your potatoes will stay fresh and ready for delicious meals.