How should I store potatoes?
How should I store potatoes?
After harvesting the potatoes, cure the tubers at a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and high relative humidity (85 to 90 percent) for two weeks. The curing period allows minor cuts and bruises to heal. Thickening of the skin also occurs during the curing process.
Once cured, store potatoes at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent. Store the crop in a dark location as potatoes turn green when exposed to light. If storage temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the tubers may begin to sprout in two or three months. When stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, potatoes develop a sugary, sweet taste. Sugary potatoes can be restored to their natural flavor by placing them at room temperature for a few days prior to use. Do not store potatoes with apples or other fruit. Ripening fruit give off ethylene gas, which promotes sprouting of tubers.
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