An important parameter, or what is the storage temperature for potatoes
The most difficult thing is to grow potatoes and achieve high yields. But it is also not easy to preserve already harvested potatoes during the winter.
If the storage conditions are violated, the tubers can deteriorate very quickly - they can begin to sprout, shrink, rot or freeze.
To prevent this from happening, you should be very responsible in choosing where to store supplies and maintaining the required temperature in it.
We will talk about the storage temperature of potatoes in the article.
Content
The influence of temperature and humidity on the safety of potatoes
Potatoes are stored for storage after they have been collected and dried. Root crops are sorted and sorted by variety and condition. Tubers with damage are rejected and are put into processing in the near future.
A short-term slight increase or decrease in indicators does not pose a threat, but prolonged exposure to inappropriate temperatures can ruin the entire crop.
If the temperature rises, the potatoes begin to sprout. At the same time, the quality of the tubers is lost - the taste and consistency of the product deteriorates.
In addition to temperature indicators, when storing potatoes Such important conditions in vegetable storage play a big role as:
- Humidity level (should be around 85%).
- Air exchange (this is due to the fact that potatoes emit carbon dioxide during storage).
- Protection from light (both natural and artificial).
The storage temperature in the place where vegetables are kept is directly related to the level of humidity. Too dry air causes the tubers to dry out and lose moisture. As a result, they lose their elasticity, become sluggish and wrinkled. With high humidity, and even the accumulation of condensation, the potatoes begin to rot.
The humidity level can be determined with a special device - a hygrometer.. But a significant excess of the indicators can be determined even by the potatoes themselves. The top layer begins to rot and become wet first.
When light hits the tubers, it triggers chemical processes in them that are externally manifested by greening of the fruit. Such potatoes become unsuitable for human consumption and must be disposed of. Violation of this rule can lead to serious poisoning.
If the humidity is lower than necessary, then containers with water can be installed in the storage. You can find out how long and under what conditions potatoes are stored here.
At what temperature does a root crop freeze?
Reducing the temperature in storage below 2? C, and even more so to negative temperatures, can lead to freezing of the vegetable. These potatoes have a sweet taste.This happens due to the processes of starch breakdown.
Minimum and maximum values
Minimum temperature in 0?C is critical for storage.
When it is reached, and even more so when it decreases further, sugars are formed from starch, which harms root crops.
The temperature indicators recommended by the state standard for potatoes are 6? C. But for most varieties of vegetables, the priority is to keep the temperature around 3-4? C.
High rates lead to germination. If other conditions in the storage are also violated, then the crop can very quickly become unusable.
Creating conditions to maintain optimal levels
Organizing a storage facility according to all the rules involves creating conditions, including maintaining the required temperature level.
Ways and methods of maintaining ideal conditions
Maintaining the optimal temperature for potatoes may require additional insulation of the vegetable storage in winter.
How should it be carried out in a vegetable store?
A vegetable storage facility for storing potatoes must meet basic requirements. This option is suitable for potato producers who harvest a large crop that requires high-quality storage.
For industrial volumes, it is advisable to build a vegetable storage facility as a separate building. In this case, it is possible to lay down, even at the design stage, the possibility of:
- good ventilation,
- waterproofing,
- maintaining optimal temperature, etc.
In industrial vegetable storage facilities, indicators, including temperature, are monitored by sensors.
How should it be kept in the cellar?
In the cellar, depending on the number of potatoes and the volume of the allocated room, Various storage approaches can be implemented, including:
- storage in bags,
- contents in bulk,
- in boxes, etc.
Potatoes stored in large volumes should not be covered in a layer of more than 200 cm. The filling process itself must be carried out as carefully as possible so as not to injure the tubers.
Bulk storage does not require investment in containers. One of the disadvantages is the difficulty of identifying spoiled tubers during storage, since it is almost impossible to sort through the entire heap.
Temperature control is carried out using a thermometer. To prevent vegetables from freezing from the ground, it is advisable to pour them not on the floor, but on a platform, for example, made of wood.
An alternative option is to store supplies in boxes. They can be placed on top of each other, but in such a way that the tubers are not pressed down. This is a more compact storage option that allows you to rearrange and transport the boxes. The downside is that if there is a significant amount of potatoes, you will also need a lot of boxes.
In severe frost, an insufficiently equipped cellar may freeze, therefore it is necessary to try to insulate it before placing the crop for storage.
If nothing can be changed, then to protect the crop, additional tarpaulins, rags, straw and other available materials are used.
In addition, it is possible to organize a building above the cellar that prevents direct contact of the entrance to the storage with the environment.This will also prevent snow accumulation and freezing.
Alternatively, you can use plastic bottles with frozen water.. If they are placed near reserves, the temperature will drop slightly.
With a significant depth of the cellar, you can arrange two hatches so that an air cushion remains between them. The rules for storing potatoes in the cellar are discussed in this article.
What is the best way to store crops in an apartment in winter?
Potatoes cannot be stored for long at room temperature.
For routine use, to keep the required minimum product on hand, can be used:
- unheated cool storage rooms;
- fridge;
- cabinet under the sink;
- vestibule.
In such places, conditions do not always meet the necessary conditions. In addition, space is very limited. And even if the air temperature corresponds to the norm, other indicators are often violated - ventilation, humidity, lighting. Can you store potatoes in the refrigerator? this publication.
How should it be kept on the balcony?
For storing potatoes at home, a glazed balcony can be a good help. Thermal cabinets (made independently or purchased ready-made), as well as insulating boxes and boxes, for example, with polystyrene foam, can solve the problem of maintaining temperature.
If the weather is frosty, the boxes can be additionally insulated:
- old blankets
- tarpaulin,
- burlap.
It will tell you at what temperature to store potatoes on the balcony this article, in which boxes - this.
Temperature violation
Violation, especially significant and prolonged, of the temperature regime can lead to damage to the entire crop. Potatoes are very picky about their conditions.
| Temperature | Result |
| Below normal | Freezing, changes in taste and consistency, loss of usefulness, reduced shelf life |
| Above normal | Germination, wrinkling, reduction in the amount of nutrients, loss of consistency, deterioration of taste |
| Sharp/frequent changes in values | Reduction in the amount of nutrients, decrease in taste, deterioration in the consistency of root vegetables, as well as germination and/or freezing (depending on conditions) |
Errors
To violation of the temperature regime The following most common errors can result:
- Storage insulation not removed in a timely manner when the outside air temperature rises.
- Insufficient insulation in winter.
- Improperly organized ventilation.
- Using cellophane to line storage areas.
- Opening the storage area too often.
If the lighting in the storage is not turned off, it can not only increase the temperature, but also lead to greening of vegetables and, as a result, to their spoilage. Why do potatoes turn green during storage? here.
Conclusion
The storage temperature of potatoes is one of the most important indicators on which the shelf life of the vegetable, its taste, usefulness and appearance depend.
When choosing a place for potatoes in winter, it is necessary to take into account not only the issue of maintaining temperature, but also other requirements, since any violations negatively affect the safety of tubers.
