Tired of your potatoes sprouting, shrinking, and turning green within days of bringing them home? We’ve all been there, and it’s a frustrating experience that often leads to unnecessary food waste. But fear not, a new wave of scientific research and expert advice has arrived to banish those sprouting woes for good!
Refrigerate Your Potatoes for Maximum Freshness
The long-held belief that potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place has been challenged. Now, experts like Lucia Washbrook, sales and marketing director at Branston, the UK’s largest potato supplier, are advocating for refrigeration as the key to keeping your potatoes fresh for much longer.
According to Lucia, storing potatoes in the fridge at below 5 degrees Celsius can extend their shelf life by over three times compared to storing them at room temperature. This could potentially save a whopping 100,000 tonnes of food waste per year, according to research from the Waste and Resources Action Programme!
Banishing the Acrylamide Myth
Previously, concerns about extra sugars forming in potatoes when stored in the fridge, which could then convert into acrylamide during frying, roasting, or baking, deterred many from embracing this method. However, comprehensive scientific research has proven that this isn’t the case. Storing potatoes in the fridge does not increase their acrylamide potential compared to keeping them in a cupboard at room temperature. So, rest assured, you can enjoy your fries and roasts without any worries about harmful chemicals!
Freezing Potatoes for Long-Term Storage
For those who want to maximize the longevity of their potatoes, freezing them is a great option. While raw potatoes don’t freeze well, pre-cooked or partially cooked potatoes can be frozen successfully. According to BBC Good Food, this method can even enhance the texture and quality of certain dishes, particularly roast potatoes.
To freeze potatoes, simply parboil them and then plunge them into a bowl of iced water to halt the cooking process. Arrange the potatoes on a tray, ensuring they don’t touch each other, and freeze them until solid (around 6-12 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable airtight freezer bag, remove any excess air, label it, and return it to the freezer.
Embrace the New Era of Potato Storage
By embracing these new storage methods, you can say goodbye to sprouting potatoes and hello to a world of delicious and fresh potato dishes. So go ahead, stock up on potatoes, and enjoy them for weeks to come! Remember, proper storage is the key to unlocking the full potential of this versatile vegetable, ensuring you can savor its deliciousness and minimize food waste in the process.
