This Amazing Trick Stops Your Potatoes From Sprouting

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The Simple Trick That Stops Potatoes From Sprouting

Now, the good news is that you don’t have to watch your potatoes sprout and waste money on discarded food. Here’s an amazing trick to keep your potatoes fresh and sprout-free for longer:

Use an Apple to Stop Potatoes From Sprouting

The secret lies in placing an apple alongside your potatoes in the storage bin or pantry. Apples emit a natural gas called ethylene, which is known to delay the sprouting process of potatoes. Ethylene is a plant hormone that can prevent the eyes of potatoes from developing into sprouts.

Here’s how you can use this trick:

1. Place your potatoes in a cool, dark place: Potatoes should be stored in a location away from direct sunlight and in a temperature range of 45-50°F (7-10°C). A pantry or a cupboard is ideal.
2. Add one or two apples: Simply place one or two apples in the same storage area with your potatoes. The ethylene gas released by the apples will help to slow down the sprouting process.
3. Check periodically: It’s important to check both the apples and the potatoes every few weeks. While apples help prevent sprouting, they too will ripen and eventually need to be replaced to continue being effective.

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Additional Tips for Storing Potatoes

While the apple trick is a fantastic solution, there are other methods you can use to ensure that your potatoes stay fresh longer:

1. Store in a Well-Ventilated Area: Potatoes need air circulation to stay fresh. Store them in a ventilated container like a basket, paper bag, or a potato storage bag with holes. Avoid storing them in plastic bags, as they trap moisture, which can cause rot.
2. Avoid Storing Potatoes in the Fridge: While it may seem like a good idea to refrigerate potatoes to keep them fresh, the cold temperature can cause the starches to turn into sugars, resulting in a sweeter taste and gritty texture when cooked. Stick to cool, dark places instead.
3. Don’t Store Potatoes with Onions: While both onions and potatoes like cool, dark places, they shouldn’t be stored together. The gases released by onions can cause potatoes to spoil faster. Keep them in separate areas for longer-lasting freshness.
4. Use a Potato Storage Bin: If you have the space, consider investing in a potato storage bin. These bins are designed to keep potatoes in the ideal environment—dark, cool, and well-ventilated—so they stay fresh for as long as possible.
5. Check for Sprouts and Rot Regularly: If you spot any sprouting or rotting potatoes, remove them immediately to prevent them from affecting the others. It’s also a good practice to occasionally sort through your stored potatoes to ensure none are starting to sprout or go bad.

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The Bottom Line

By using an apple to release ethylene gas, you can easily prevent your potatoes from sprouting prematurely. This simple, natural trick helps keep your potatoes fresh for longer, allowing you to use them when you need them most. Combined with proper storage techniques, such as keeping your potatoes in a cool, dark, and ventilated space, your spuds will stay in prime condition and ready to be used for all your favorite recipes.

So, next time you buy a batch of potatoes, don’t forget to grab an apple and place it in the same storage spot. With this easy trick, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh potatoes for weeks to come—no sprouts in sight!