Tesco confirms the best place to store potatoes to stop them sprouting – fresh for 6 months

Tesco confirms the best place to store potatoes to stop them sprouting – fresh for 6 months Potatoes sprouting too quickly? Tesco experts share the best kitchen potato storage location to keep them fresh for up to six months. Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. Whether you're mashing, boiling or turning them into crispy chips, the possibilities are virtually endless — and they won't break the bank either. For that reason, most of us will likely have a bag of potatoes lurking somewhere in the kitchen. But there's nothing worse than reaching for them, only to find they're covered in unsightly sprouts. Thankfully, Tesco has settled the matter once and for all, revealing exactly where you should be storing your potatoes to prevent this from happening. Their experts explained: "When a potato sprouts, the tubers start to regrow and the potatoes start to lose their flavour - bad news if you're hoping to make them the centrepiece of your next dinner party. But how can you keep your potatoes from sprouting?". "By following a few simple steps, you can keep your potatoes nearly as fresh as the day you bought them, for up to six months." Not only could this save you money on buying fresh produce, but these handy tips also help to reduce food waste, lessening your impact on the environment in the process — so it's well worth heeding Tesco's advice. Where to store potatoes The first thing you should do when you bring potatoes home from the supermarket is remove them from the plastic bag. Potatoes require enough air circulation to stay in good condition, so opting for a mesh or paper bag is the way to go. You'll also want to keep them well away from certain other fruits and vegetables, such as apples and onions. These release a gas called ethylene, which accelerates the ripening process and can cause your potatoes to deteriorate more rapidly. They must be stored in a cool, dark spot, as exposure to light will cause them to photosynthesise and sprout. The temperature should also remain below 10°C. Tesco said: "So, if you want your spuds to stay in tip-top condition, we recommend popping them in a paper bag and stashing them away in a dark place of your choosing: a porch cupboard or garden shed are all great options, and there's always the fridge (if you've got the space)." Signs that potatoes have gone bad While sprouting is an obvious indicator that your potatoes haven't been stored properly and may no longer be safe to eat, there are several other warning signs to watch out for. Green patches, for instance, suggest your potatoes have been exposed to light and could contain harmful toxins. That said, experts advise they remain safe to eat, as long as you cut away the affected area. The texture of your potatoes can also be very telling. If the skin starts to sag, the flesh feels squidgy or might even be wet, Tesco describes this as a 'surefire sign' that the potatoes are well past their best. Finally, when it comes to the smell, fresh potatoes should have an earthy scent, while those that have spoiled will give off a mouldy or musty odour.