When it comes to storage and preservation, potatoes can be particularly challenging.
According to the University of Idaho, gardeners should consider three factors when storing potatoes over extended periods: temperature, light and humidity.
Ideally, spuds should be stored in a cool, dark, humid and well-ventilated location to ensure optimal quality.
Potatoes should be stored at 5.5 to 10 C. Temperatures in most homes are usually kept at 18 to 22 C, which is well above the recommended range for potato storage.
Temperatures that are too warm can result in disease, quality deterioration or rotting.
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High temperatures can also cause sprouting.
Potatoes, depending on the variety, generally produce sprouts within 30 to 140 days after harvest.
Sprouting will occur more quickly under higher temperatures, resulting in spuds that are less firm, difficult to peel and generally less appealing.
Growers should also avoid storage temperatures that are too cold because temperatures below 5.5 C will cause discolouration, quality deterioration and spoilage.
Potatoes that are exposed to light accumulate chlorophyll, which causes tubers to turn green.
The greater the exposure, the greener the spud.
Green potatoes are still useable, but in severe cases greening can cause compounds called glykoalkaloids that are bitter to taste and potentially toxic if eaten in large quantities.
When processing green potatoes, simply cut away the portion of the potato that is green.
Tubers that have a high proportion of green should be discarded.
Store spuds in a dark area with little or no exposure to light.
Maintaining proper humidity is key to maintaining potato quality.
When harvested, potatoes typically contain 80 percent water.
Spuds should be kept humid to avoid dehydration and shriveling. This can be a challenge during in dry prairie winters.
Growers who storing larger quantities of garden harvested potatoes in an enclosed area or bin should consider systems such as small humidifiers that can maintain humidity at artificially high levels.
Alternately, potatoes can be stored in plastic bags, but they should be thoroughly perforated to allow proper air movement.
Storing potatoes in unperforated plastic bags or airtight plastic containers will restrict airflow and contribute to spoilage.
Recommendations for storing spuds include:
- Do not wash harvested potatoes before storage.
- Store spuds in cool, ventilated locations with high humidity and no light.
- Maintain storage temperatures between 5.5C and 10 C.
- Pick a location that has high humidity, but avoid airtight plastic containers or tightly sealed bags.
