How to Keep Potatoes Fresh Longer: Expert Recommends Refrigeration and Smart Storage Tips

According to expert Kate Hall, writing in the British newspaper Express, storing potatoes in the refrigerator can extend their freshness by up to three times compared to room-temperature storage. If your fridge is full, a cool, dark place is the next best option. Crucially, potatoes should never be stored near onions—onions release gases that promote sprouting in potatoes, while the moisture from potatoes can accelerate mold growth on onions. For those looking to freeze potatoes, they must be cooked first: raw potatoes are unsuitable for freezing. Instead, prepare them as baked potatoes, potato pancakes, or mashed potatoes, allow them to cool, and then place them in the freezer, from which they can be reheated directly when needed.

These storage tips are particularly relevant given the scale of food waste. According to recent data from Germany’s Federal Environment Agency, the country generates about 10.8 million tons of food waste annually, with 58% originating from households—roughly 74.5 kg per person per year. Proper storage of staple foods like potatoes can make a noticeable difference, not only in reducing environmental impact but also in saving money for individual households.