Buying and Storing Potatoes

Buying

Look for clean, smooth, firm-textured potatoes with no cuts, bruises or discoloration.

Proper Storage

  • Store potatoes in a cool, well ventilated place.
  • Colder temperatures lower than 50 degrees, such as in the refrigerator, cause a potato’s starch to convert to sugar, resulting in a sweet taste and discoloration when cooked.  If you do refrigerate, letting the potato warm gradually to room temperature before cooking can reduce the discoloration.
  • Avoid areas that reach high temperatures (beneath the sink or beside large appliances) or receive too much sunlight (on the countertop).
  • Perforated plastic bags and paper bags offer the best environment for extending shelf-life
  • Keep potatoes out of the light.
  • Don’t wash potatoes (or any produce, for that matter) before storing.  Dampness promotes early spoilage.