New potatoes have a thinner skin than other potato varieties. However, a thin skin speaks against long storage, because it allows more moisture to escape from the tuber. Are there any exceptions?

New potatoes should be stored dry and dark

Different early potato varieties

The early potato varieties are further subdivided into very early, early and medium-early varieties. The thickness of the shells, which largely determines how long they can be stored, develops differently in these three groups. Therefore, there is no general statement regarding shelf life that applies equally to all early potato varieties.

Very early varieties

Very early potato varieties, such as 'Christa', can be harvested from June to July. The tubers have the following properties:

  • very thin shells
  • hardly storable
  • ideal for immediate consumption

Early Varieties

Early varieties stay in the bed longer than theirs
Harvest time doesn't start until July. As a result, her tubers are encased in a firmer, thicker shell. Varieties such as 'Cilena' can therefore be stored to a limited extent.

Mid-early varieties

'Nicola' and 'Linda' are two well-known potato varieties that are only harvested from the end of August and are therefore among the mid-early early potato varieties. Your shell has had enough time to grow in strength and firmness. These tubers store well.

Harvest in portions

Early potatoes are in good hands in the garden soil for a while. If it can be implemented practically for you, then get the tubers out of the bed one after the other. Then you won't have any storage problems with it either.

This is to be considered when purchasing

Early potato varieties will be available in stores as early as May. The first commercially available tubers usually come to us from warmer countries. A few days have passed since they were harvested until we put them in our shopping basket, during which they were not necessarily stored ideally.

  • Plastic packaging makes the potatoes sweat
  • Nets let in "harmful" light
  • Paper bags are ideal

tips

Always buy only as many new potatoes as you can use up in a timely manner. At home, take the tubers out of their packaging and store in an optimal place.

Optimal storage conditions

Also store new potatoes in a cool, dry and dark place so that they do not become mouldy, develop green spots or sprout. It is best to spread the potatoes out in a single layer so that air can get to them.

It is best to consume new potatoes within two weeks. Medium-early potatoes can be stored longer. Inquire here specifically about the storage properties of the purchased or harvested variety.

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