Note to city dwellers: is it possible to store potatoes in the refrigerator or not, and how correctly?
The problem of storing vegetables is especially acute for residents of city apartments.
Improvised storage can be organized directly in the refrigerator. This method has its own characteristics and limitations.
We will tell you further whether and how to properly store potatoes in the refrigerator.
Content
Features of storage organization
The rules for long-term storage of potato crops determine the conditions that must be created. The most suitable storage option is a cellar. But this option is not available to residents of high-rise buildings.
The basic requirements for the conditions for keeping tubers are coolness with average humidity and protection from light penetration. There should also be ventilation, since when lying this vegetable releases heat and carbon dioxide. At first glance, it may seem that everything fits perfectly in a standard refrigerator. But it is not so.
In fact, the only conditions suitable for potatoes are in the vegetable compartment. On the shelves it begins to deteriorate quite quickly and get wet. Therefore, the best option is to put not a lot of potatoes in the refrigerator, and replenish the supplies as needed.
The beneficial properties of potatoes are preserved only if they are stored correctly.
How long does it last raw?
The shelf life of fresh potatoes largely depends on the conditions. Besides, it is important to consider the variety and condition of the potatoes before laying.
You should not put tubers that have just been dug up in the refrigerator - they will not stay. These potatoes need about 1.5-2 weeks to dry out and for minor damage and cracks to heal.
The ripening period affects not only the appearance of the potato and its taste, but also determines how long such tubers will last.
| Maturity level | Maximum storage temperature |
| young | about 3 weeks |
| average | 4-5 months |
| late | |
| mature | 7-8 months |
Proper storage
Proper storage of potatoes in the refrigerator requires compliance with all conditions. In addition to maintaining temperature and humidity levels, It is necessary to pay attention to a number of circumstances.
Neighborhood with other products
Potatoes should not be kept together with other products in the vegetable compartment. The only exception is beets.
If you place it near the tubers, it will absorb the moisture they release, which will extend the shelf life.
Package
Potatoes are too dirty to put in bulk in the refrigerator. But plastic bags are not the answer.
They impede air exchange and cause the vegetables to begin to fog and become wet.
The best packaging option is a paper bag. It will prevent moisture accumulation and protect the shelves from dirt.
Preparing the vegetable
In order for the potatoes to sit longer and not immediately begin to deteriorate, they should be inspected before storing. Damaged tubers should be immediately put aside. They require use first and are not stored with the rest of the potatoes.
Which shelf should I keep it on?
The optimal conditions in the refrigerator for storing potatoes are in the compartment intended for vegetables. As a last resort, tubers in a paper bag can be placed on a shelf for a short time. Wherein the product should not be pressed against the walls or squeezed by other objects.
In refrigerators in which the freezer compartment is not separated from the refrigerator compartment, it is necessary to ensure that the potatoes are not placed too close to it.
Free space problem
You should not try to put more potatoes in the refrigerator than it can hold. You should consider how much free space there is in the vegetable compartment.
Advantages and disadvantages
Storing potatoes in the refrigerator has its strengths and weaknesses.
The advantages include the following factors:
- easy availability of vegetables when cooking is necessary;
- maintaining a stable temperature during storage;
- protection from light;
- maintaining humidity levels;
- Possibility of storing vegetables at any time of the year.
The disadvantages include the following:
- small volume of storage compartment;
- depending on the place where the potatoes are placed, the air temperature may be below the permissible limit - about 0? C, which is harmful to the potatoes;
- there is no necessary air movement in the refrigerator, which can lead to wetness (exception: Frost Free models);
- raw tubers are dirty, so they are often stored in polyethylene bags, which do not allow air to pass through, which leads to wetness and damage to the crop;
- not completely suitable conditions for storing potatoes.
Peeled tuber
If you need to peel the potatoes in advance, for example, before guests arrive, then it is better to store them in the refrigerator, first filling them with cold water.
Why can't you just keep the tubers on the table? They will turn black. The solution is to put it in a container and fill it with water. Without refrigeration, potatoes will last only a few hours, and in cool conditions - up to a day.
An alternative that does not require water:
- Dry the peeled tubers.
- Brush each potato with oil.
- Place vegetables in a Ziploc bag, releasing as much air as possible.
- Place in the refrigerator.
Raw potatoes can be kept in this form for up to 3-4 days. If the potatoes are not greased with oil, the shelf life is up to a day. Details - in this article.
Conclusion
Storing potatoes in the refrigerator - a method that is suitable for keeping only small stocksdesigned for preparing dishes in the near future. If you need to save a large harvest of root crops, you will have to find another way to do this.
A combined storage option can also be used, when the majority of vegetables are stored in the cellar, and a small part is always at hand.
