An important question: how long are potatoes stored and under what conditions?
Storage of the harvested potato crop is carried out in compliance with a number of rules.
This allows you to keep stocks of potatoes for a long time, without losing their taste, beneficial properties and appearance.
We’ll talk about how long potatoes can be stored and what the storage conditions for potatoes are in this article.
Content
What determines the shelf life?
The shelf life of potatoes depends on a large number of factors. Not only storage conditions are important, but also how correctly the crop was harvested.
After this, the potatoes are cleaned of any soil adhering to them and sorted according to the condition of the tubers, variety and size. Spoiled potatoes must be separated immediately and used first.
Variety selection
Please note that not all potato varieties are intended for cooking. Among the variety of root crops are:
- table varieties - for use as food;
- technical - for the production of starch and alcohol production;
- feed - for livestock;
- universal.
Late-ripening varieties are best stored.
Temperature
Long-term storage of a vegetable means keeping it for a period of 4 months or more. The permissible temperature for keeping the harvested crop should be from 3? C to 6? C.
At low levels, chemical processes begin to occur in vegetables, as a result of which potatoes lose their taste and change consistency. Higher temperatures cause the tubers to lose moisture, they begin to sprout and become soft.
Humidity and air exchange
Humidity in your home storage should be around 75%. In addition, the storage area must have good ventilation. This will prevent condensation from accumulating on the tubers.
In addition, when lying, potatoes release carbon dioxide, which, without an influx of fresh air, helps to reduce the shelf life of the vegetable.
Light
The place chosen as storage must be protected from sunlight and artificial light. The best option is a cellar.
Tara
The choice of container depends on the conditions of the storage facility itself. It is possible to keep potatoes in nets, boxes, and even in bulk on pallets.
In other cases, the choice of container should take into account the space allocated for storage in order to provide air access and prevent moisture from accumulating on root crops. An overview of potato storage boxes is presented in this article.
How long can it be stored?
The duration of potato storage depends not only on the conditions, but also on the choice of variety. The generally accepted division is into late and early varieties.
Early ripening
Young potatoes of early varieties are not intended for long-term storage. Extra-early varieties are intended for consumption immediately after digging.
And even fully ripened early potatoes cannot lie for long. Maximum – up to 5 months.
After this, the tubers begin to sprout and shrink.
Late
Late varieties, harvested at full maturity, are intended for long-term maintenance. It is recommended to prepare them in winter.
Time based on storage type
The room in which the crop will be kept should be ventilated and processed.
In the apartment
A large harvest of vegetables should not be stored directly in the apartment, at room temperature, due to unsuitable conditions. The maximum is to have a few kilograms for cooking in the coming days.
In this case, a wooden box or cardboard box is suitable for storage., but always with a lid so that the light does not fall on the potatoes. The shelf life of the vegetable is up to two weeks.
In a refrigerator
The refrigerator has the necessary coolness and protection from light. But there is also a problem with air circulation and volume limitation. It is impossible to fit a large harvest into a household kitchen appliance.
In the cellar or basement
The cellar, subfloor or basement must be inspected. Preliminary whitewashing with lime helps fight bacteria and fungus.
Such disinfection will allow the new harvest to last longer. If there are still some vegetables left from last season, they should be removed from storage.
With proper organization, potatoes can remain in the basement all winter until spring.It is recommended to carry out disinfection measures at least two weeks before placing new harvest potatoes in the cellar. Read more here.
On the balcony
In a city apartment not equipped with a cellar, You can keep your potato harvest on a glazed balcony. The open version of the loggia is not suitable for these purposes due to the impossibility of maintaining the necessary conditions.
A wooden box or a heating cabinet can be installed on an insulated balcony. Depending on the organization of the storage process, potatoes may remain in such conditions until spring. Limitations - only on the volume of reserves.
In the garage
Depending on the conditions in the garage, it can contain the harvested crop if there is insulation. A metal box is not suitable as a vegetable storage facility. In an insulated brick garage, if optimal conditions are created, potatoes can age until spring.
Depending on the condition of the tubers
The storage time also depends on the condition of the tubers:
Raw peeled
Dense, damage-free peel serves as protection for tubers. After peeling, the potatoes begin to darken.
If peeled fresh potatoes are placed in cold water and placed in the refrigerator, they can sit for about 3 hours before cooking.
Since upon contact with water, beneficial substances, starch and potassium are washed out of potatoes, You should not chop the tubers in advance.
If you place peeled potatoes in vacuum packaging, they will last up to 1.5 weeks in this form. An alternative option is to quickly freeze the potatoes. The tubers are cleaned, washed and cut.
Freezing must be quick. When the need arises to prepare a semi-finished product, pour it straight from the freezer into hot water without defrosting it first. Details - in this article.
Cooked
It is not advisable to store already prepared potatoes for a long time. It not only loses its taste, but if left for a long time, it can lead to poisoning.
When placing prepared food in the refrigerator, you need to focus on the following indicators:
- boiled, purified product can remain in a closed container for no more than 3 days;
- stewed potatoes – up to 3 days;
- potato soup – no more than 3 days;
- puree with butter – up to 2 days.
Draniki, fried potatoes, and deep-fried potatoes are not frozen for reheating. Also, dishes with raw eggs and uncooked milk cannot be stored.
How to extend the shelf life of vegetables?
Extend the shelf life of potatoes The following recommendations will help:
- Send only undamaged vegetables for storage.
- Periodically, potato stocks should be sorted out, discarding spoiled tubers.
- To make the potatoes lie better, you can place rowan or mint leaves near them.
- Beetroot can be chosen as a “neighbor” during storage.
Expired product: how to identify and what to do?
If the crop is stored for a long time, spoilage of the potatoes is possible. Violation of even one of the conditions for organizing the storage facility can affect the reduction in storage time.
An expired, spoiled vegetable can:
- have strong germination,
- turn green,
- wrinkle,
- acquire an unpleasant odor.
Even if only one of these signs appears, the product should not be consumed.Spoiled potatoes should be thrown away - no amount of processing will save them.
This may also indicate that cooked potatoes are expired.:
- change in smell,
- liquid separation
- color change and sliminess.
In advanced cases, mold may even appear. It is strictly forbidden to eat such a product.
Conclusion
Compliance with the storage conditions of potatoes allows you to extend their storage life. At the same time, it is important to follow the entire range of measures and not neglect the advice of specialists on organizing potato storage.
