There is not much to say about potatoes. How love them. But what do the tubers love when they have to stay longer in the cellar? Do you like it warm or do you prefer it cool? Do you prefer to wait alone or in company?

Potatoes should be stored in a dark and dry place

Protect tubers from light

Light awakens the urge to live in the tubers and they begin to sprout. The germs are not edible, rather they deprive the potatoes of moisture and valuable nutrients. In addition to a shriveled appearance, green spots also form on and under the skin. These green areas are poisonous and must be cut out without leaving any residue.

  • store in a dark place
  • for example in the pantry, in the basement or in the garden shed

tips

Alternatively, potato tubers find enough darkness in a linen bag and can be stored in an otherwise bright place.

Maintain the optimum temperature range

Even a temperature above 10 degrees Celsius can trigger the undesirable germination process. Extreme cold, on the other hand, converts potato starch into sugar and thereby changes the typical potato taste.

  • perfect temperature is between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius
  • Absolutely avoid frost
  • never store in the freezer

tips

If potatoes are stored in an unheated cellar, keep an eye on the temperature. In harsh winters, frost can also become a problem here.

Dry place prevents mold

Mold likes moisture and then multiplies happily. Therefore, potatoes must be stored dry. It is also important that the bulbs get enough air and circulate. That is why they are stored in airy wooden boxes or linen bags. Plastic boxes or plastic bags are not suitable at all, as they do not allow air exchange.

Spread large harvest over months

If you grow potatoes yourself, with a bit of luck you will harvest a good amount of tubers in autumn. These want to be stored well for months, preferably in wooden boxes or on wooden slats in a cool, dark and dry cellar. For long-term storage, however, only flawless potatoes should be selected:

  • Tubers with an undamaged shell
  • without bad spots
  • and of course without germs

Check potato storage regularly

If there is a large pile of tubers in the basement, now and then some of them can rot. If they are not disposed of promptly, neighboring potatoes could soon rot as well. Therefore, shift your potato supplies from time to time so that they are better aerated. You can sort out all potatoes that are not in perfect condition and dispose of them in the organic waste.

tips

Tubers that start to sprout do not have to be disposed of, but they must be used up quickly.

Do not keep fruit nearby

If you not only grow potatoes in your garden, but can also harvest plenty of apples, you need to keep the fruit further away from the potatoes. Apples release the ripening gas ethylene into the surrounding air. As a result, potatoes ripen or spoil faster.

durability

Under optimal storage conditions, potatoes can be stored from harvest in autumn to spring. The type of potato also plays a role. New potatoes, for example, are not suitable for long storage.

Conclusion for fast readers

  • Light: Light causes potatoes to sprout; shoots deprive the tubers of nutrients and moisture; they shrivel
  • Green spots: Occurs when there is too much light; are poisonous and must be cut away before consumption
  • Optimal storage location: dark basement, garden shed or pantry
  • Tip: A linen bag also provides enough darkness; in it potatoes can be stored in bright rooms
  • Heat: Temperatures above 10 degrees started the germination process; therefore avoid heat at the storage location
  • Cold: When the ambient temperature is cold, starch is converted into sugar; the potato taste suffers
  • Optimum temperature: 4 to 8 degrees Celsius is ideal
  • Freezer: Potatoes are not suitable for deep-freezing; Always avoid frost
  • Danger of mold: Moisture promotes mould; choose dry storage place; ensure air circulation
  • Storage: In airy wooden boxes or linen bags; no plastic boxes or plastic bags
  • Long-term storage: Store only tubers in good condition; Check storage regularly and discard rotten tubers
  • Tip: tubers that are beginning to sprout do not have to be thrown away, but they must be eaten soon
  • Fruit: Fruits such as apples produce a ripening gas that makes the potatoes rot faster; be sure to keep them separate
  • Shelf Life: Under ideal storage conditions, potatoes will last for several months
  • Varieties: Shelf life depends on the variety; New potatoes cannot be stored for long

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Vegetable garden