Making money go further is something that we are all aware of at the moment. In particular, when it comes to food storage hacks.
However, supermarket Tesco has shared a tip for keeping the food staple potatoes fresher for longer. Even better, it is free to do.
The supermarket giant said: “By following a few simple steps, you can keep your potatoes nearly as fresh as the day you bought them, for up to six months.”
Tesco warned: “Your spuds need air circulation, so don’t suffocate them in a plastic bag.” The vegetables need to be kept in a cool dark place otherwise they will sprout.
“So, if you want your spuds to stay in tip-top condition, we recommend popping them in a paper bag and stashing them away in a dark place of your choosing: a porch cupboard or garden shed are all great options, and there’s always the fridge (if you’ve got the space).
“It’s important not to wash the potatoes, as this adds moisture that can encourage them to sprout.”
They added: “Instead, get rid of most of the dirt by brushing it off. Store in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place below 10 degrees Celsius.
“Check every few weeks to ensure that there aren’t any sprouted or spoiled spuds in the batch, as they can ruin all your hard work.”
Elsewhere, Luke Willcox, an expert from Seasonal Spuds previously told The Express: “Official guidance from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has advised that the best way to store potatoes is in the fridge. Storing them in the fridge helps them last more than three times as long as storing at room temperature, whilst also reducing food waste.”
However, when it comes to storing the food staple an expert shared what to avoid doing.
Addison LaBonte, a recipe developer and founder of Watch Learn Eat, recommended not putting potatoes in the fridge.
She said: “Putting potatoes in the fridge can increase the amount of sugar they contain, which is what can give them that sweet taste, and lead to a chemical reaction leading to higher levels of a chemical called acrylamide when the potatoes are baked, fried or roasted at high temperatures.
“This can pose a health problem and may be why you see some places suggest against storing potatoes in the fridge if at all possible.”
Finally, according to Martha Stewart’s website, potatoes should be kept away from onions as they give off ethylene. This can cause potatoes to start sprouting and take on the taste of the onions.
