vegetables

How Can I Keep Potatoes from Sprouting So Fast?

Faith Durand
Faith DurandSVP of Content
Faith is the SVP of Content at Apartment Therapy Media and Editor-in-Chief of Kitchn, and the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning The Kitchn Cookbook. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters.
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published Oct 15, 2010
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Q: We don’t always finish the bag of potatoes we buy and end up having to throw half of them out as they start sprouting very rapidly.

Is there a way I can keep them from sprouting so fast?

Sent by I’Ching

Editor: I’Ching, the key to keeping potatoes fresh is twofold: Keep them dark, and keep them cool. Also, don’t store them near onions, bananas, or other fruit — this will encourage them to sprout faster. If you have a dark, cool closet away from the heat of the kitchen, store them there. Also, it’s best to take them out of the plastic bag and put them in a basket or breathable cotton sack. And finally, make sure they are totally dry before storing long-term. Damp potatoes will rot or sprout faster.

Readers, any foolproof tips for keeping potatoes fresh?

Next question?

Related: Quick Tip: The Best Way to Store Potatoes

(Image: Emma Christensen)

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