Expert Advice on Storing Potatoes for Extended Freshness
A recent study has revealed that potatoes can remain fresh for at least six months if stored properly, challenging the commonly held belief that potatoes should not be refrigerated. Traditionally, potatoes have been stored in cupboards or dark spaces at room temperature, but the new research suggests that refrigeration can significantly extend their shelf life without increasing the risk of acrylamide formation, a chemical associated with potential health risks.
According to the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), as well as the Food Standards Agency (FSA), scientific evidence supports the claim that refrigerating potatoes does not elevate their acrylamide potential compared to storage at room temperature. This conclusion provides consumers with confidence in the safety of refrigerating potatoes for long-term storage.
In the United Kingdom, nearly half a million tonnes of fresh vegetables and salad, along with a quarter of a million tonnes of fresh fruit, valued at a total of £2.1 billion, are discarded annually due to not being used in time. The findings from Love Food Hate Waste, a campaign led by the charity WRAP, suggest that Best Before dates may not always accurately indicate the freshness of products, particularly when stored under optimal conditions, leading to unnecessary food waste.
A trial conducted by WRAP revealed that potatoes, when stored at four degrees in the fridge, showed signs of deterioration 20 days after the Best Before date, whereas those stored at room temperature began deteriorating after 14 days. Additionally, when Best Before dates were disregarded, potatoes remained fresh for an extended period, both in ambient storage and in the fridge.
The experts recommend that refrigeration is the ideal method for prolonging the freshness of potatoes, as they can last up to three times longer when compared to ambient storage. This insight underscores the importance of proper storage to minimize food waste and maximize the shelf life of perishable items.
In summary, the key takeaways from the research are:
- Potatoes can be stored in the fridge to extend their shelf life by at least six months without increasing acrylamide potential.
- Best Before dates may not always accurately reflect the freshness of products, especially under optimal storage conditions.
- to improve the conditions for potatoes even further, consider removing them from the original plastic packaging and keeping potatoes in a fabric bag as the sack material excludes light and allows the potatoes to breathe.
- Refrigeration is recommended as the “right place” to store potatoes for maximum longevity, potentially lasting up to three times longer than ambient storage.
