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Buying, Storing, and Handling Potatoes

How to buy and store potatoes to make them last

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Growing and Harvesting Potatoes

Learn how potatoes are grown and harvested before they get to the grocery store.

BUYING FRESH POTATOES

What do you look for when buying fresh potatoes?

Look for clean, smooth, firm-textured potatoes with no cuts, bruises, or discoloration. Imperfect potatoes are just as good, so just cut them before cooking if you see any cuts or bruises.

How to properly store fresh potatoes?

Keep potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place such as a pantry or cabinet. Avoid high temperatures such as next to appliances or under the sink, and keep potatoes away from too much direct sunlight (no countertops).
Do not refrigerate or freeze fresh potatoes before cooking. Colder temperatures lower than 50 degrees cause a potato’s starch to convert to sugar, resulting in a sweet taste and discoloration when cooked.
There is no need to store your potatoes in a bag; you can store them loose. If you store potatoes in a bag, make sure there are holes so the potatoes can breathe. Wait to wash your potatoes until you’re ready to cook them, as dampness will lead to early spoilage.

What if potatoes are sprouting?

If potatoes begin to sprout, you can still use them. Just remove the sprout, cut away any green areas, cook, and enjoy.

What to Do with "Green" Potatoes

Green on the skin of a potato is the build-up of a chemical called Solanine. It is a natural reaction to the potato being exposed to too much light. Solanine produces a bitter taste. If there is slight greening, you can still use the potato. Just cut away the green portions of the potato skin before cooking and eating.

Sprouting Facts

Sprouts are a sign that the potato is trying to grow. Storing potatoes in a cool, dry, dark location that is well ventilated will reduce sprouting. Cut the sprouts away before cooking or eating the potato.

Freezing Potatoes

Can I freeze cooked potatoes?

Fully cooked potato recipes freeze well. From mashed to baked, any potato recipe can be saved for later.

Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

To freeze mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely, place the mashed potatoes into resealable freezer bags and press them, so they are in an even layer. This will help save space in your freezer and allow potatoes to thaw faster. You can gently reheat them in the bag.

Can I freeze potato-based soups?

Potato-based soups can also be frozen, along with chowders and stews.

Can I freeze baked potatoes?

Leftover baked potatoes can be frozen, but we recommend turning them into steak fries by cutting them into wedges before freezing to ensure even reheating.

How do I freeze fresh potatoes?

Fresh potatoes can be frozen; however, you need to take a few extra steps to ensure that their quality will hold up in the freezing process. Before freezing potatoes, you will need to cook/blanch your potatoes. Blanching means to par-cook and rapidly cool an ingredient.
Once the potatoes are frozen, they can be bagged in resealable freezer bags and stored for up to 10-12 months. Although, they are best when used within six months.

Buying and Storing

Learn about choosing potatoes and storing your potatoes.

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