Potatoes, this indispensable ingredient in the kitchen, often suffer from problems due to sprouting, which shortens its useful life. But there is a trick that not everyone knows: simply add one ingredient found in every home and sprouting will be a thing of the past. Want to know exactly what to do? Read on!
Autumn and winter are ideal times to eat potatoes, but their biggest enemy is sprouting. While this process may work naturally, sprouted potatoes lose their flavor, texture, and nutrients. The solution? Use apples! This seemingly unusual combination is actually extremely effective. Apples emit ethylene, a gas that prevents potatoes from germinating. If you store potatoes together with apples in a bag or basket, they will stay fresh for up to two months.
How to properly store potatoes
- Temperature: Potatoes are best suited to a cool, dark and dry environment with a temperature between 7 °C and 15 °C. Ideal places are basements or garages.
- Bags: Use paper or cloth bags instead of plastic bags that retain moisture. These allow air to circulate and prevent rotting.
- Without refrigerator: Refrigeration does slow down rotting, but it converts the potato starch into sugar, causing an unwanted sweet taste.
Important:
Never store potatoes with onions. Although they are often stored together in the pantry, the gases given off by onions accelerate the germination of potatoes.
Are sprouting potatoes safe to eat?
Potatoes that have started to sprout are not necessarily dangerous, but they do require extra attention. The sprouts contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids, which are natural defense substances of the potato, and in larger quantities can cause digestive problems or headaches. If the sprouts are short and the potatoes are not tender or green, simply remove them with a knife before using. However, if the potatoes are already soft, wrinkled or greenish, it is better to throw them away, as the toxic substances can already be in higher concentrations in this state. It is always best to use potatoes while they are fresh and firm.
More food storage tips
Bananas: Wrap the stalks in foil to slow down their ripening.
Carrots and other root vegetables: Store in sand to prevent drying.
Cheese: After opening, wrap in parchment paper instead of plastic wrap for longer shelf life.
Leafy vegetables: Aluminum foil keeps lettuce, broccoli and celery fresh for up to four weeks.
Why does this work?
It's all in the details. Proper food storage not only extends its shelf life, but also preserves its taste and nutritional value. Effective planning means less wasted food and more savings in the family budget.
Who would have thought that the secret to long-lasting fresh potatoes could be so simple? Add apples, ensure proper storage and enjoy always delicious potatoes. With these simple but effective tips, you will become a true food storage master!
