Make Your Potatoes Last Longer With This Cardboard Box Hack
Potatoes inexpensive and versatile, making them a staple ingredient in most people's homes. There's nothing more frustrating than reaching for a potato to make your favorite recipe and finding that it's begun to spoil. Proper storage is the key to long-lasting potatoes, and the solution is actually easier than you think.
This simple cardboard box hack will ensure your potatoes stay fresh for longer. Here's how it works.
What potatoes need to stay fresh for longer
According to the Idaho Potato Commission, potatoes should be stored in a climate-controlled room with no light, 95% humidity, and a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
These specifications are effective, but not always practical for home cooks who don't have access to a temperature-controlled cellar.
If you don't have a cellar, cardboard will do the trick
If your home doesn't have a cellar, there's no need to worry. Instead, a corrugated cardboard box will do the trick. Arrange your potatoes in a single layer inside the box before closing the flaps. Store the box of potatoes in a cupboard, pantry, or another dark, dry space.
This trick blocks out light and prevents potatoes from sprouting. When stored using the cardboard box method, your potatoes should last for a couple of months without spoiling.
Storing larger amounts of potatoes
If you're storing larger quantities of potatoes, they may not fit in a single layer inside the box. In this case, place a sheet of corrugated cardboard between each layer.
Poke holes in the side of the box as well, to allow the air to circulate. This will prevent moisture from damaging the potatoes.
Other options for storing potatoes
If you don't have room for cardboard box storage in your home, there are other options for effective potato storage. A paper bag with holes for airflow or a mesh produce bag should do the trick.
The key is to store the potatoes in a cool, dark place where they're safe from light and moisture.
The bottom line
You don't need a cellar or perfect conditions to store potatoes effectively. A simple cardboard box is enough to protect your potatoes from light and moisture and prevent premature spoilage.
Understanding the proper methods for storing produce helps keep your food safe and lets you cook with more confidence.