Can potatoes be stored in the refrigerator?
It is believed that if the tubers are cooled, the starch they contain is quickly converted into sugar. It is worth clarifying that in a working refrigerator the temperature ranges from +3 to +5 °C, providing optimal conditions for long-term storage.
The second argument against the refrigerator is high humidity, which supposedly provokes rotting of the vegetable. This thesis also does not stand up to criticism: in refrigerators of previous generations, the humidity corresponds to the norm and is 80%. New models equipped with the “No Frost” system work on the principle of absorbing excess moisture from products, so the tubers in them will definitely not rot.
Storing potatoes in the refrigerator - pros
First of all, storing potatoes in the refrigerator is dictated by convenience. To prepare soup or mashed potatoes, you don’t need to go down to the cellar or basement every time.
Advantages of using a refrigerator:
- The temperature in the refrigerator is stable. There are no temperature changes like in rooms (especially in the kitchen).
- The inside of the chamber is dark and humid - this is exactly what the tubers need.
- When stored in the refrigerator, vegetables are always at hand.
- Here the potatoes will not wither or dry out in the hot summer, nor will they sprout in late winter.
It is best to store potatoes in a cellar or basement in wooden boxes with holes.
Storage rules
In order for unpeeled raw potatoes to preserve the nutritional value and taste to the greatest extent, adhere to the following recommendations:
- The dug crop is cleared of soil, healthy, undamaged tubers are selected. They are left for 1-2 hours in the open air for initial drying. Then they are transferred to a shelter for a couple of weeks so that the peel dries and hardens.
- Move the potatoes to a place for long-term storage. At a temperature of +2…+4 °C the product does not deteriorate for six months, at +6…+10 °C – for 3 months.
- Before placing in the refrigerator, the tubers are washed and dried thoroughly.
- In the refrigerator compartment, the best place for potatoes is the bottom compartment. For packaging, take a cardboard box with holes or a paper bag. Plastic bags are not suitable: condensation forms in them, which can cause fungus to appear on the tubers.
- To prevent rotting from starting, it is advisable to sometimes ventilate the product by removing it from the refrigerator for several hours.
Potatoes in the refrigerator can be stored in the lower compartment
Storing peeled potatoes
Peeled potatoes, which are sold in vacuum in supermarkets, are treated with sodium salts of sulfurous acid for better preservation. Without compromising the integrity of the packaging, it can remain in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. If the packaging is opened, the product should be consumed within 2–3 days.
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For potatoes that have been peeled at home, they can be stored in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. In this case, be sure to immerse the tubers in water. Don't cut them in advance; whole potatoes keep better and longer.
If after 24 hours the peeled potatoes have not been used, cut them into wedges and freeze. Subsequently, you can prepare any dishes from it. The workpiece is not defrosted, but immediately thrown into boiling water or into a frying pan.
Which varieties store best?
The ability of potatoes to maintain their original qualities depends on various factors: varietal, soil and climatic conditions, weather. In irrigated, greenhouse plants, the pulp of the tubers is saturated with moisture, so they quickly begin to rot.
Young potatoes have a similar drawback; moreover, they have thin, delicate skins that do not become a reliable barrier to fungi and bacteria. In the lower section of the refrigerator, such a vegetable will remain fresh and healthy for up to 3 weeks.
In favorable conditions, early potato varieties will last until the end of November at most, after which they begin to wrinkle. The best keeping quality is characterized by late varieties that are naturally resistant to pests and weather conditions, with a long growing season. These varieties contain more starch, so shelf life is extended to 7-10 months.
When storing for storage, experienced gardeners give preference to the following varieties:
- "Atlanta"
- "Asterix"
- "Vesnyanka";
- "Gatchina";
- "Blueness";
- "Crane";
- "Lorhu";
- "To my favorite";
- "Picasso";
- “Brewed”;
- "Epicurus".
At best, potatoes placed in the refrigerator in the fall will last until the end of February. At this time, the buds wake up and sprouts may appear.
Best varieties for storage
The easiest way to store
How to store peeled potatoes? The simplest option is to store potato tubers after cleaning in cold water. At the same time, you should not cut it into small pieces, otherwise it will lose its quality characteristics, although the taste will be preserved.
If you leave the vegetable for at least 1-2 hours in the open air, it will become covered with a dense crust and take on an unattractive appearance. This is caused by the fact that it contains quite a lot of starch and enzymes, which come out and thicken to form a dark coating. You can store peeled potatoes in water for no more than 2-3 hours, otherwise all soluble vitamins will be destroyed, and carbohydrates, minerals and organic acids will go into the water. To preserve nutrients as much as possible, you need to:
- wash the peeled tubers thoroughly;
- put in a container;
- pour cold water so that the root vegetables are completely covered with it;
- To preserve color, you can add a little lemon juice or citric acid to the water.
If you plan to store peeled potatoes in water overnight, the pan should be placed in the refrigerator. In a warm room, in the morning the tubers will be covered with mucus, and bubbles will form on the water surface. According to Sanpin, perishable foods such as potatoes are stored at a temperature of 2 to 6℃ for no more than 72 hours.
If bubbles appear on the surface of the water the next morning, you need to sniff the water and inspect all the tubers. Most likely, they have turned sour and are now unsuitable for food. When potatoes have an unpleasant odor after storage, or the structure of the pulp has changed, it is better not to eat them.
How to store potatoes in the refrigerator after processing
Potatoes after peeling or heat treatment cannot lie for a long time not only in the air, but also in the refrigerator. It dries, darkens, and becomes tasteless. Shelf life depends on the processing method and storage conditions.
How long can you store fried and boiled potatoes?
If the potato dish is prepared “with reserve”, it can be placed in the refrigerator until the next meal. It is important to do this immediately after cooling, follow the rules and storage periods.
Boiled potatoes
Mashed potatoes or potato stew are kept in food containers, pans or trays, loaded into the refrigerator immediately after cooling. Whole boiled potatoes in their jackets are stored in an airtight container or wrapped in cling film, otherwise the product will become chapped, covered with dark spots, and quickly become sticky.
According to sanitary standards, after boiling or stewing, potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours at a temperature not exceeding +5 °C. To ensure a shelf life of 3-4 days, maintain the temperature in the range 0…+4 °C. At the end of the specified periods of time, boiled potatoes are disposed of even if there is no unpleasant odor, color change or staining.
Can peeled potatoes be stored in the refrigerator?
It is recommended to peel potatoes before preparing them for food, because when peeled they begin to darken. This occurs due to the oxidation of the enzymes present in it. However, if you have peeled vegetables on hand, don't throw them away. Wash them thoroughly under running water and put them in a container. Then pour cold, clean water over the vegetables to cover all the potatoes. Thus, they can be stored at room temperature for no more than 4 hours. If you place the container in the refrigerator, they will last even longer – a day.
If you also add a few slices of lemon to the water with potatoes and change the water to fresh water once a day, the vegetables will last for several days.
Important: you can replace the lemon with an aspirin tablet, so the vegetables will be fresh for another three days. You can store peeled tubers without water. To do this, just wash and dry them. Then we place them in plastic bags and tie them so as to prevent air from entering.
Another secret: if you grease the potatoes with vegetable oil, they will be fresh in the refrigerator for another 3-4 days.
Other places for long-term storage in the apartment
Potatoes can only be stored in the refrigerator in limited quantities. What to do if you need to place an impressive amount of product at home, grown in the country or purchased at the wholesale market? In winter and autumn, in almost any apartment there is a suitable place for this with a satisfactory temperature regime.
Balcony
This is not an ideal option for preserving potato tubers in frosty or wet weather. Although, in the absence of other options, you have to leave vegetables on the balcony until spring.
Temporary storage
Until the average daily temperature drops to 0...+5 °C, the potatoes are placed in lattice plastic boxes. It is allowed to install them on top of each other in 2-3 levels, with an interval of 60-80 cm. It is better to place the containers in one tier so that the vegetable remains in good condition and does not dry out.
Rules for storing potatoes in the refrigerator
To prevent potatoes from spoiling ahead of time, you need to know some subtleties.
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Storage rules:
- Store potatoes in the vegetable drawer. If your refrigerator model allows you to adjust the temperature, set it to 3–6 °C.
- Potatoes do not tolerate proximity to other vegetables, with the exception of beets. Do not put anything else in the compartment (carrots, onions, cabbage, etc.). You can add a green apple or a sprig of mint. They say that this way the potatoes don't spoil longer.
- Usually the tubers are quite dirty, so they are placed in a bag in the refrigerator. But a plastic bag won't do. The potatoes will suffocate in it and begin to rot. A paper bag should be used.
- Potatoes should only be stored dry. If you decide to wash it, be sure to dry it naturally.
If there is no suitable place to store vegetables, the right thing to do is to buy them as needed with a small supply.
How to store potatoes
Potato storage starts at the supermarket
Buy clean tubers - no spots, cuts, dark spots or soft parts of the tuber. The skin of each potato should be smooth, with minimal shallow “eyes” and without “splashes” of green color. Potatoes with defects, of course, spoil faster during storage.
Be sure to keep the potatoes dry
While it may be tempting to wash dusty tubers before storing, resist the temptation. Moisture quickly creates an overly humid environment, causing musty odors and faster aging. Store potatoes as they were sold in the store and wash only before use.
To store potatoes, place potatoes in a basket, canvas bag or paper bag
One of the secrets to maintaining the freshness and quality of potatoes is proper air circulation. If you bought potatoes in a net, you don’t have to overfill them. Just cover it with a cloth to block the light.
And advice: if possible, immediately after purchase, if the tubers are of different sizes, sort them into different baskets/bags/packages. Then it will be easier and simpler to cook the potatoes.
Find a cool, dark place to store your potatoes.
Potatoes grow underground, and tubers prefer conditions that are as close to natural as possible - dark and cold. The optimal temperature for storing potatoes is from 7 to 12 ° C, so a cellar is an ideal option. If you are unlucky with a cold basement, store your potatoes in the darkest, coolest place possible. This could be a pantry, just not near any heat sources such as a stove or dishwasher. A good place is a garage, during certain months. But no matter what, do not store potatoes in the refrigerator!
Don't let the potatoes sit stale
Every time you take potatoes from your storage, check the condition of the tubers and rotate them. See if there are potatoes that are starting to spoil and use them. At the bottom of your personal vegetable storage there should always be new potatoes, the most recently purchased.
Never store potatoes in the refrigerator
There is no need to store potatoes in the refrigerator. When potatoes become too cold, the starch they contain turns into sugar, making the tubers sweet and making them more difficult to cook as expected. Even if your home is too warm to ideally store potatoes, it's better to buy fewer potatoes at a time than to store them in the refrigerator.
Freeze potatoes the right way
Or there is another way out: freeze peeled potatoes! Keep in mind that the conversion of starch to sugar is why raw potatoes don't freeze very well. If you want to use the freezer for long-term storage, dice, julienne, slice, or stick (optional) and blanch them before freezing for best results. Be sure to let the prepared potatoes cool completely before freezing, dry them with paper towels or lay them out on a cloth, and then freeze and use within a few months.
Storing potatoes in factories
In large factories for the production of chips and other dried raw materials, raw peeled potatoes have to be stored in huge quantities. Here the vegetable is stored in freezers at -30℃. Under such conditions, the product can be stored indefinitely. A thin layer of peel is removed from vegetables, and washed, unpeeled potatoes are sometimes used for chips. After all stages of preparation, the root vegetables are cut into cubes of the required size and placed in bags.
The air is then sucked out of the bags and placed in freezers. With shock freezing, root vegetables are not only stored for a long time, but also retain all their beneficial vitamins and minerals. Large food production plants also practice storing potatoes in bags filled with inert gas. It helps preserve the freshness of root vegetables for 2-3 months, unfrozen.
