How to store potatoes: the best way to prevent them from sprouting, the apple trick

Potatoes are a favorite and nutritious vegetable. But if you do not eat the tubers quickly, they may begin to sprout, which will reduce their quality and taste.

A popular online trick suggests putting apples in bags of potatoes. But does it really work?

Whatever your dietary preferences, you’re sure to have a favorite potato dish. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, we consume an average of 23 kg of potatoes per year. It is no coincidence that this vegetable tops the list of favorites, since it is not only tasty, but also rich in nutrients and microelements.

Interesting fact. Back in 1870, peasants in Russian villages did not plant potatoes. They considered it a sin to eat a foreign vegetable because potatoes were called “devil’s apple” because of its German name – “kraft teufels” (devil’s power).

If your family consists of 1-2 people, it can be difficult to eat all the potatoes before they go bad, no matter how much you love them. This is probably why videos quickly spread on social networks showing people putting apples in potato bags to prevent them from sprouting. But will this trick work? An expert explains what’s really happening.

How to prevent potatoes from sprouting
According to expert Sastri Jayanti, if you don’t store potatoes properly – in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place – they will quickly start sprouting. In principle, it can be eaten by completely removing the sprouts. However, tubers should never be eaten if they have turned green.

However, in addition to storing it in a cool room, it is recommended to put an apple in a bag of potatoes. But can this stop or at least slow down the spoilage of potatoes? The question is very difficult. There is some scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in laboratory settings.

Ethene or ethylene (WITH₂H₄) is an organic compound, a colorless flammable gas with a faint sweetish odor, produced by fruits such as apples, bananas and tomatoes. It plays a vital role in the ripening process of fruits and vegetables. The theory behind the apple and potato trick is that apples produce ethylene gas, which has been shown to inhibit sprouting of potatoesat least in laboratory conditions.

The study was published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology. The scientists used yellow potatoes that were stored in a cool environment and exposed to specific doses of ethylene gas at specific intervals. Then the experimenters analyzed the germination of the tubers, their sugar, starch content, etc.

The study showed that Ethylene treatment delays potato germinationat least under these strictly controlled laboratory conditions.

Experts emphasize that the best way to keep potatoes fresh longer is to follow these basic guidelines:

• Cool and dark place: Store them at 7-10°C, away from direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations.
• Good ventilation: Potatoes need good air circulation to prevent condensation and rotting. Store them in breathable containers such as paper bags or bags, or mesh or wooden boxes.
• Away from onions: Do not store potatoes with onions. Onions release substances that can speed up the spoilage of potatoes.
• Away from the refrigerator. Although it may seem logical, storing potatoes in the refrigerator is not recommended. Cold temperatures can convert potato starch into sugars, affecting their taste and texture. Store them in a cool closet or basement.
• Check for signs of spoilage: one rotten potato can spoil all the rest. Remove damaged potatoes to protect the rest.

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