What is the maximum shelf life of potatoes and how to extend it

Planting and harvesting potatoes is only half the battle. It is also important to preserve the harvest. There are different options for storing potatoes and tricks that every owner should know about.

You will learn how to preserve the harvest for as long as possible and what affects the shelf life of potatoes in our article.

Basic rules for storing potatoes

The main conditions for storing the crop: preparation of tubers, temperature, humidity and lighting.

Tuber preparation

Preparing the potatoes is the most important step in the process. To begin with, the tubers are thoroughly cleaned of soil, sorted and sorted depending on their shelf life.

Thus, small and damaged tubers are not suitable for long-term storage (up to 10 months). It is better to eat such vegetables immediately. For storage, choose medium-sized potatoes with thick, smooth skin.

To extend the shelf life of potatoes, they are sprayed with antifungal drugs. This procedure will prevent rotting and germination of tubers. For example, use a solution of copper sulfate: use 2 g of the drug per 10 liters of water. After spraying, the vegetables are dried and after drying they are sent to a suitable place for storage.

Important! Tubers require careful handling - they must be clean, healthy, whole and dry. Their quality affects the shelf life of the crop.

Storage conditions:

• the optimal temperature is +2…+5°С, and when stored in a closed container – +18°С;
• air humidity – 80-90%;
• lack of light and direct sunlight;
• air circulation - the room must be constantly ventilated.

Storage containers:

1. Wooden boxes - holes are made in them in advance for air circulation. Choose boxes made of coniferous wood (they inhibit the spread of fungus).
2. Bags made of natural material.
3. Grids.
4. Wicker baskets.
5. Paper or plastic bags.

You can only store vegetables in bags in the refrigerator, otherwise the potatoes will begin to spoil within a few days.

Terms and storage time

Not all varieties are suitable for long-term storage. Choose mid-late and late-ripening ones.

Early varieties, for example, Zhukovsky, Antonina, Impala, are stored for up to three months, provided that the crop was harvested after ripening. During long-term storage, potatoes of these varieties are deprived of their nutrients. Therefore, it should be eaten before the onset of cold weather.

Mid-season varieties, for example, Gala, Rosara, can be stored for 4-7 months at a temperature not exceeding +6°C.

Late ripening varieties – Slav, Atlant, Zhuravinka, Gull etc. – are stored for up to 10 months if the rules and recommendations are followed.

Storage spaces in the apartment

It doesn't matter if you don't have a basement or cellar. An apartment is also suitable for preserving the harvest.

At room temperature

One of the most unreliable options for storing vegetables: the temperature of the heated room reaches 20-25°C, in such conditions the tubers are stored for no longer than 10-15 days. Afterwards the process of rotting and drying will begin.

Kitchen

To preserve potatoes in the kitchen, use the following tips:

• choose a dark and cool place: under the sink or sink, in the bottom drawers of furniture or in a special cabinet for storing vegetables;
• the temperature should be about +18°C;
• store in a wooden container or basket.

Pantry

You can store potatoes in the pantry. Vegetables are placed in bags made of natural material or a wooden box with holes.

To prevent the tubers from turning green, the boxes are covered with cardboard or thick cloth. To prevent vegetables from drying out, use a damp cloth or a humidifier.

In the freezer

Potato varieties with minimal starch content are suitable for freezing. When frozen, starch is converted into sugar - the tubers will become sweet.

Tuber preparation and freezing methods

Pour cold water over the vegetables and leave for 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, wash the tubers thoroughly, peel them, and cover them again with cold water. Thanks to this procedure, the potatoes will not darken and will become less starchy.

Whole frozen

To freeze whole, choose small tubers.

First, the potatoes are blanched. Take two medium-sized pans, pour cold water into one pan (you can add ice), and put the other on the fire. Dip the tubers into boiling water and blanch for 3-5 minutes. Take it out and immediately lower it into a container of cold water. After the potatoes have cooled, place them on a towel and dry.

Important! The prepared potatoes must be dry, otherwise they will become covered with a crust of ice after freezing.

The finished tubers are placed in bags and placed in the freezer.

Sliced ​​potatoes

Cut the peeled vegetables into pieces and add salt. Salt will help the potatoes look fresher. Pour flour into a container, add the product and mix. Mix quickly or the flour will clump.

Place the tuber in a thin layer on a tray and place in the freezer. Then put the frozen product into containers and place in the freezer.

Attention! There is no need to defrost these potatoes before cooking.

Freezing mashed potatoes

Few people know that you can even freeze puree. To do this, peeled potatoes need to be boiled and crushed. After this, cool, pack into bags (can be used with an airtight seal) and place in the freezer.

Freezing fried potatoes

To preserve this version of the potato, cut it into pieces and lightly fry it in a frying pan. If desired, you can add salt and spices. The dish is cooled, excess fat is removed using a napkin or towel and placed in portions into bags. The finished product is sent to the freezer.

Attention! Fried potatoes and mashed potatoes retain their properties for two weeks, and the vegetable, frozen whole or in pieces, is stored for about three months.

In a refrigerator

A refrigerator is suitable for storing small quantities of potatoes. It is best to store in plastic bags or paper bags at a temperature of +5...+7°C.

This option is not suitable for long-term storage (maximum 1-2 weeks).

On the balcony

You can use a glazed balcony or an unheated loggia. Wooden boxes are used as packaging, which are pre-insulated with foam plastic. The air temperature in this room should be +5...+12°C, humidity – 30-50%. Avoid direct sunlight.

Other places

There are other places to store crops.

Entrance or corridor

If there is not enough space in the apartment, store potatoes in the entrance.In such a room there are no sources of natural light, it is periodically ventilated and a suitable temperature is maintained (+4...+6°C). For storage, use wooden boxes with holes for ventilation. To prevent potatoes from spoiling, cover them with a blanket or other insulating material.

How to tell if potatoes have gone bad

Even the best quality potatoes can go bad.

To preserve the harvest and also protect yourself, pay attention to the following signs:

• rot;
• the presence of processes (more than 2 cm);
• rugosity;
• blackening of the tuber;
• watery

If you find such signs on vegetables, throw them away immediately. Such potatoes are unsuitable for storage and consumption; in addition, the infection will spread to the rest of the crop.

Helpful tips for keeping potatoes longer

These tricks will help preserve potatoes longer:

1. To prevent potatoes from sprouting, add half an apple to the boxes. It will absorb excess moisture. The method will be effective for the first 6-7 weeks of storage.
2. Plants that secrete phytoncides will help preserve potatoes longer. For this, rowan leaves, pine or spruce branches are used.
3. Pounded garlic will protect the crop from rot: 10 g of garlic is enough for 10 kg of potatoes.
4. Elderberry and fern leaves will protect from rot, as well as mixing tubers with the leaves of wormwood and common wormwood.
5. To delay germination, use mint leaves.
6. If you cover the potatoes with onion peels, they will be stored much better.
7. Ginger root promotes long-term storage of tubers.
8. Periodically sort through your vegetables and throw away spoiled ones.
9. Do not store potatoes with other vegetables. The exception is beets, which absorb excess moisture.
10. During severe frosts, cover vegetables with straw.

Conclusion

Storing crops in an apartment is not difficult if you follow the above recommendations. Decide correctly on the location and container, control the temperature and humidity, ventilate the room, and periodically select spoiled tubers. By following these rules, you will preserve your harvest without major losses.