Keep Your Potatoes Fresh for a Year: Expert Storage Tips

By boom Last updated Apr 14, 2025

Potatoes are a staple in many kitchens, valued for their versatility and long shelf life. However, improper storage can lead to sprouting, rotting, or dehydration, reducing their quality and nutritional value. To maximize the shelf life of your potatoes, it’s essential to store them correctly. Here’s how:

Ideal Storage Conditions

Temperature: Store potatoes in a cool, dark place with temperatures between 45°F and 50°F (7°C to 10°C). Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures can convert potato starch into sugar, affecting flavor and texture. Allrecipes+2Southern Living+2Real Simple+2 The Spruce Eats+3KeystonePotato+3Northern Nester+3
Light: Keep potatoes away from direct sunlight to prevent them from turning green and developing a bitter taste.

Humidity: Excess moisture promotes mold and bacterial growth, leading to rotting.
Air Circulation: Use well-ventilated containers like mesh bags, baskets, or wooden crates to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. Southern Living

Effective Storage Methods

1. Curing Potatoes

After harvesting, cure potatoes to enhance their skin thickness and reduce the likelihood of rotting during storage. Gently brush off the soil without washing them, as added moisture can slow the curing process. Place the clean, undamaged potatoes in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated area for one to two weeks. Better Homes & Gardens

2. Using Salt for Preservation

In humid climates, sprinkle a small amount of rock salt or table salt between layers of potatoes in a storage container. Salt absorbs excess moisture, preventing sprouting and mold growth.

3. Burying in Sand or Sawdust

For long-term storage, burying potatoes in dry sand or sawdust can protect them from moisture and temperature fluctuations. Fill a wooden box or crate with a layer of dry sand or sawdust, arrange the potatoes in a single layer, and cover them with another layer of sand or sawdust. Repeat the process until the container is full.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Refrigerating Potatoes: Cold temperatures convert potato starch into sugar, leading to undesirable taste and texture changes. Real Simple

Washing Before Storing: Washing potatoes introduces moisture, which can lead to bacteria growth and shorten their shelf life. Southern Living
Storing with Onions: Onions emit gases that accelerate potato spoilage. Store potatoes and onions separately to extend their shelf life. Allrecipes+1Real Simple+1

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regularly inspect stored potatoes for signs of spoilage, such as soft spots, sprouting, or mold. Remove any affected potatoes promptly to prevent them from affecting others. Properly stored potatoes can last up to six months or longer, depending on the variety and storage conditions.