Once harvested potatoes will remain edible for several weeks if kept in a cool garage or basement.
Best long term storage for potatoes.
The best way to store potatoes long term.
Only perfect potatoes are suitable for long term storage.
Potatoes are a cool weather crop first proliferating in the high altitude of the andes and then excelling in the cool climates of ireland and northern europe.
So look for cultivars that excel in long term storage.
This is an easy process but it should be followed precisely for the best results.
You can also freeze the pieces which i ll discuss more later.
Potatoes are tubers and thrive in humid conditions.
The best place to store potatoes is in a cool dry area of the kitchen or root cellar or basement.
Never wash potatoes prior to storage.
Potatoes storage temperature and humidity.
Let rest for two weeks and then rub off any excess dirt.
However most people don t have this option unless they grow themselves and have storage space like this.
To cure lay out the potatoes on newspaper in a cool dark place between 50 and 60 degrees fahrenheit.
That s your best option if you find that your potatoes have spoiled prematurely before you can get them into long term storage.
Before placing them in long term storage check to see that there are no cut or bruised potatoes.
This is also a good choice for potatoes with minor damage that would otherwise be vulnerable to rot cured potatoes will usually have minor cuts and bruises heal up.
Place the potatoes in a cardboard box paper bag mesh bag or basket to ensure good ventilation.
Storage temperature has a significant impact on how long potatoes will last.
Cure your potatoes for long term storage.
How to cure and store potatoes for long term storage tip.
To cure and store potatoes for long term storage up to 7 months the next step is to allow them to dry for a longer period 1 2 weeks this time out of the light.
Examples include cal white defender red gold and the russet varieties.
Inspect all the potatoes for soft spots sprouts mold shovel damage and pest damage.
For long term storage during the winter the extension office recommends keeping potatoes in a dark room at a temperature between 38 and 40 degrees fahrenheit with high humidity.
Keep out of the light.
The best places to store them long term should be dark well ventilated and cool areas but not cold.
If you can store potatoes in the ground that would be preferred for the long term.
When stored between 43 50 f 6 10 c raw potatoes will keep for many months without spoiling 3.
Keep them in a cool dark place.