How to Store Potatoes for Freshness and Longer Shelf Life

Potatoes can last a long time when stored properly, but if not, they often sprout, soften, or rot sooner than they should. The way you store them makes all the difference.

By choosing the right potatoes, using proper containers, and picking a good spot in your home, you can keep them fresh for weeks or even months.

In this article, you’ll learn the best ways to prepare and store your potatoes, how to prevent sprouting, and what to do if problems come up.

Whether you have a basement, a pantry, or a small storage space, there’s a method that can work for you.

And if you're still unsure about when to harvest your potatoes, we’ve got some tips for that too – check out our guide on when to harvest potatoes.

Pick the Right Potatoes to Store

Not all potatoes are equally suited for long-term storage. If you want your potatoes to last, you’ll need to start by choosing the right ones.

Choose the right type

Some potatoes naturally keep longer than others. Russets, Yukon Golds, and other thick-skinned varieties tend to last much longer than thin-skinned or new potatoes. Their thicker skins help hold in moisture and protect against soft spots.

Look for firm, healthy potatoes

Pick potatoes that are firm and free from cuts, bruises, soft spots, or mold. Damaged potatoes spoil faster and can cause nearby ones to rot too.

Stick with unwashed potatoes

It’s best to choose unwashed potatoes. The layer of dirt left on the skin protects them by keeping moisture in and disease out. Washing removes this natural barrier and can lead to early spoilage.

If you grow your own, cure them first

For homegrown potatoes, curing is an important step. Lay them out in a single layer in a dark, airy spot for about two weeks. This toughens up the skins and heals small scrapes so they’ll store better.

Get Your Potatoes Ready

Once you’ve picked the best potatoes, it’s time to get them ready for storage.

Don’t wash them

Washing adds moisture, which can seep into small cracks and lead to rot or mold. If the potatoes are very dirty, use a dry brush or cloth to gently brush off any loose soil.

Inspect each potato

Check for any soft spots, dark patches, mold, or damage. Set aside any with problems and plan to use them soon. Even one bad potato can spoil the rest if stored together.

Sort by size if you can

Smaller potatoes often sprout or spoil faster than larger ones. If you separate them, you can keep a closer eye on the small ones and use them up first.

Preparing your potatoes carefully now will help you avoid trouble later and give you a steady supply of fresh, firm potatoes for weeks or even months.

Best Ways to Store Potatoes (What Works and What Doesn’t)

Choosing the right container for storing your potatoes is just as important as picking the right potatoes themselves.

Not all storage methods work equally well, and the wrong choice can lead to early sprouting, mold, or soft spots. Over time, different containers have been tested with varying results.

Containers that work well

One of the best options is a simple cardboard box with the top flaps barely folded down or mostly left open.

This allows for good airflow, which helps prevent moisture buildup. In tests, potatoes stored this way kept their firm texture, taut skins, and rich flavor even after two months.

A metal wire basket is another good choice, especially in a pantry at room temperature. The open sides provide plenty of air circulation, which helps keep the potatoes dry and firm.

If you buy potatoes in a plastic bag with small holes (called a perforated plastic bag), you can often keep them in that same bag. Just make sure it’s not sealed tightly, so air can still move through.

Tests showed this method performed reasonably well, though not quite as well as the cardboard box or wire basket.

Containers that might work, depending on conditions

Paper bags, mesh cotton bags, and burlap sacks have been used with mixed results. In some cases, they allowed too much moisture or not enough airflow, leading to dampness or early sprouting.

However, in cooler, drier environments, burlap bags especially can work quite well.

Containers to avoid

It’s best to stay away from closed or sealed containers, like lidded cardboard boxes or plastic mixing bowls.

These trap moisture and often lead to potatoes becoming damp, moldy, or soft. In particular, a plastic bowl offers poor air circulation and tends to make the potatoes at the bottom wet and squishy.

Choosing the right container can make a big difference in how long your potatoes stay fresh. Good airflow is the key to keeping them in top shape.

Best Places to Keep Potatoes

Where you store your potatoes is just as important as how you store them. The right location can help prevent sprouting, softening, and spoilage, while the wrong spot can ruin even the best potatoes.

Pick a cool, dark spot

The ideal place is somewhere cool, dark, and dry. An unheated basement or cellar that stays between 45°F and 50°F is one of the best choices.

A range of 45°F to 55°F works well if you don’t have perfect conditions. Cool temperatures slow down sprouting and keep the potatoes firm.

Let them breathe

Wherever you store your potatoes, good airflow is a must. This helps keep moisture from building up, which can lead to mold or soft spots.

That’s why containers like wire baskets or cardboard boxes with open flaps work so well.

Humidity helps, but not too much

For long-term storage, a bit of humidity can actually help prevent the potatoes from shriveling. A humidity level around 90% to 95% is ideal.

However, too much dampness can cause mold, so it’s important to find a balance.

Other good spots

If you don’t have a basement or cellar, a dark corner in a cool garage can also work. In the past, many people stored potatoes in wooden bins or open boxes made from pallet wood.

When kept in the right conditions, potatoes in these setups sometimes lasted nearly a year through the winter.

Picking the right spot will help you get the most out of your potatoes and avoid common problems like sprouting and spoilage.

Other Storage Ideas (If You Don’t Have a Basement)

Not everyone has access to a cool basement or cellar, but there are still ways to store potatoes that can work well in other spaces.

Using the refrigerator — the pros and cons

Some people have had success storing potatoes in the refrigerator crisper drawer. In cooler climates or homes without good storage spots, this might be tempting.

Potatoes kept in the fridge often stay sprout-free for months. However, there’s a trade-off. Storing them at such low temperatures can cause the starches to turn into sugar.

This can make the potatoes taste bland when cooked and cause them to brown too quickly when fried.

In one test, fridge-stored potatoes rated about 6 out of 10 — they stayed sprout-free but were softer and lost some of their flavor.

Laying them out on a screen

If you have a room that stays cool but isn’t damp, you can lay your potatoes out in a single layer on a screen or rack.

Cover them loosely with burlap or straw. This setup lets air move freely around the potatoes while keeping light off them, which helps prevent sprouting and greening.

Storing in a box with dirt

Some gardeners store their potatoes in a cardboard box filled with dirt or sand. This method works best in cool areas like a downstairs shop or shed.

The dirt helps maintain the right humidity and keeps the potatoes from shriveling. Some people say this method makes their potatoes last “forever,” especially for homegrown crops.

Even without a perfect basement or cellar, these methods can help you store your potatoes for much longer than leaving them out on the counter.

How to Keep Potatoes from Sprouting or Going Bad

Even with the right containers and storage spots, potatoes still need a little attention now and then to stay at their best.

Keep them away from certain fruits and vegetables

Potatoes should not be stored next to onions, bananas, apples, tomatoes, or avocados.

These fruits and vegetables give off a gas called ethylene, which speeds up sprouting and can even change the flavor of your potatoes.

While some people believe placing an apple among the potatoes can help reduce sprouting, this goes against expert advice. The ethylene from apples usually has the opposite effect.

Check them regularly

Make it a habit to check your stored potatoes every week or two. Look for any signs of spoilage, like softness, sprouting, mold, or green spots.

Remove any problem potatoes right away. One bad potato can quickly cause others nearby to spoil as well.

Use good airflow and the right humidity

As mentioned earlier, proper airflow and a bit of humidity can prevent sprouting and shriveling. But avoid too much moisture, as this can cause mold and decay.

Taking these simple steps will give you the best chance of keeping your potatoes firm, fresh, and ready to use for as long as possible.

What to Do if Potatoes Go Bad or Start Sprouting

Even with the best care, some potatoes may eventually spoil or sprout. Knowing how to handle these situations can help you avoid wasting good potatoes and keep the rest of your batch in good shape.

Are sprouting potatoes still good?

If your potatoes have started to sprout, that doesn’t always mean they’re no longer usable. As long as the potato is still firm, you can simply pull off the sprouts and cook it as usual.

This has been a common practice for many years, especially when storing potatoes through the winter.

However, if the potato is soft, heavily sprouted, or showing other signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it.

How to spot spoiled potatoes

When checking your potatoes, look for ones that are overly soft, shriveled, or have a musty smell. Mold, black spots, and soft patches are also signs that a potato has gone bad.

Potatoes exposed to too much light may develop green areas. The green color comes from chlorophyll, but it can also mean the presence of solanine, a natural toxin.

If the green is only on the skin or in small patches, you can cut it off. But if large areas are green or the green goes deeper than the skin, it’s safer to throw the potato away.

Watch out for rare but serious spoilage

In very rare cases, large amounts of rotting potatoes can give off dangerous fumes.

There was one report of a family becoming seriously ill after being exposed to fumes from a large pile of decaying potatoes.

While this is unlikely to happen in a typical household setting, it’s a good reminder to remove spoiled potatoes promptly.

By keeping a close eye on your stored potatoes and removing any that show signs of spoilage, you can protect the rest and avoid health risks.

Store potatoes properly and check them often to keep them fresh and avoid waste!

Storing potatoes the right way can make a big difference in how long they last and how well they keep their flavor and texture.

By picking the right types, preparing them carefully, and choosing good containers and storage spots, you can keep your potatoes fresh for weeks or even months.

Good airflow, the right temperature, and checking your stored potatoes regularly are all simple steps that help prevent common problems like sprouting, soft spots, or mold.

Even if you don’t have a cool basement or cellar, there are other methods that can work well in different spaces.

With a little care and attention, you can make the most of your potatoes and avoid waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got more questions about storing your potatoes? We’ve got answers! Check out these FAQs for tips on how to keep your spuds fresh, prevent spoilage, and make the most of your harvest

What’s the best container for storing potatoes?

A cardboard box with the flaps left slightly open or a metal wire basket works best. Both allow good airflow, which helps prevent sprouting and spoilage.

Can I keep potatoes in the fridge?

You can, but it’s not ideal. While refrigeration can prevent sprouting, it can also cause the potatoes to taste bland and turn brown too quickly when cooked.

Why shouldn’t I wash potatoes before storing them?

Washing adds moisture, which can get trapped in small cracks and lead to rot or mold. It’s better to brush off any loose dirt and store them dry.

How often should I check my stored potatoes?

You should check your potatoes every week or two. Look for signs of spoilage like soft spots, mold, or sprouting, and remove any bad potatoes right away.

Can I still use potatoes that have sprouted?

Yes, as long as the potato is still firm. Simply pull off the sprouts before cooking. If the potato is soft, heavily sprouted, or has other signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it out.