Many people think there are certain things that don't belong in the fridge - while others swear by storing all foods and sauces in the chilled appliance.
One of these divisive ingredients is the potato and experts have now weighed in following a recent online debate on where to keep the vegetable, reports Wales Online. While this is not a new argument, the professional opinion has shed some light on how to make potatoes last as long as possible.
According to specialists at KJ Refrigeration, those who store potatoes in the cupboard are doing it right - while putting them in the fridge can actually ruin them. In addition, storing the tubers with other vegetables can reduce their shelf life.
“For best results, you should store potatoes in a cool, dark area such as a pantry or cupboard," a spokesperson explained. "There is no need to store potatoes in the fridge, and you should never store raw potatoes in the freezer, as this will cause them to go mushy.”
Potatoes and onions should never be stored together, especially if you are trying to increase the lifespan of either. This is because onions emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process.
If potatoes are stored next to onions, they may become overripe and prematurely spoil. They should be kept away from other foods that contain large amounts of ethylene, including apples, bananas and tomatoes.
Potatoes also contain a large amount of moisture, which can cause onions to become leaky and liquefied. You should avoid storing your potatoes in closed, airtight containers, as they need air to circulate around them to keep high moisture levels at bay.
With their high water content, exposure to excess moisture can cause potatoes to go bad. This is why you should never wash potatoes before storing them.
Instead, wash them only before you use them. To do this, place some paper towels next to your potatoes to prevent them from retaining excess liquid.
It is important to store potatoes in a dark place that is not exposed to high levels of light as this can cause them to discolour, forming green spots or turning green entirely. Additionally, this can also alter the taste of your potatoes, causing them to become bitter.
Even with an expert opinion, people still may be conflicted on where to keep their spuds. Previously, one woman discovered a seemingly "hidden" symbol on a packet of potatoes, which recommended keeping them in the fridge.
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