How to Stop Potatoes from Sprouting in Storage

If you have a problem with potatoes sprouting before you are ready to cook with them, try this simple solution.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Storing Potatoes Properly

  1. Image titled Stop Potatoes from Sprouting in Storage Step 1
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    Store potatoes someplace cool.[1] The ideal temperature is somewhere between 45 and 50°F (7 and 10°C).[2] You can, however, store potatoes in places as cool as 38 and 42°F (3.4 and 5.6°C), without affecting the flavor or texture too much.[3] Wherever you decide to store the potatoes, make sure that the temperatures remain consistent. If they change too much, the potatoes may start to rot or sprout.[4]
    • If you store the potatoes below 40°F (4.5°C), use them within 6 to 8 months.[5] If you store the potatoes above 40°F (4.5°C), use them within 3 to 4 months.[6]
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    Make sure that the storage area is dry, and don't wash the potatoes before you store them.[7] Save the washing for when you are ready to cook them. If you wash the potatoes first, you risk trapping moisture in the skin. This can cause the potatoes to rot sooner.[8]
    • If the storage area is too dry, your potatoes may shrivel. If this happens, move the potatoes to a place with higher humidity; about 80 to 90 percent would be ideal.[9] Make sure that the potatoes get good air circulation, however, or they will rot.[10]
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  3. Image titled Stop Potatoes from Sprouting in Storage Step 3
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    Keep potatoes in a paper bag to ensure proper ventilation. Avoid plastic bags, as they tend to trap warmth and moisture.[11] Instead, plant and gardening specialist Olivia Choong suggests "keeping them in a well-ventilated container, such as a basket or crate." Choong advises that "a paper bag or some kind of netting" can also work well. Here are some other suitable containers to store potatoes in:
    • Cardboard boxes
    • Cotton or muslin bags
  4. Image titled Stop Potatoes from Sprouting in Storage Step 4
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    Keep the potatoes someplace dark.[12] Ideal storage places include basements, cabinets, closets, and garages.[13] Too much light, especially sunlight, can cause the potatoes to start sprouting. It can also cause the potatoes to overproduce a chemical called Solanine, which causes them to turn green and taste bitter.[14] [15]
    • If you notice the skin turning green, cut it off before you cook and eat the potato.[16] If the green has gotten into the potato flesh itself, throw the potato away.
  5. Image titled Stop Potatoes from Sprouting in Storage Step 5
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    Avoid storing potatoes in places that tend to get warm. These include cabinets beneath the sink and next to large appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators. Potatoes will start to sprout if they are kept in a warm area.[17] Plant and gardening specialist Olivia Choong also advises against "storing potatoes in the fridge, as this turns the potatoes' starches into sugars. This not only alters the flavor but can possibly form acrylamide, a chemical that's been flagged as a cancer risk."
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Other Storage Tips

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    Avoid storing potatoes near onions, apples, bananas, pears, and other fruit.[18] There seems to be a lot of debate regarding whether or not apples can keep potatoes from sprouting. According to plant and gardening specialist Olivia Choong, "Onions and apples emit ethylene gas, which speeds up the sprouting process." Some studies have also shown that potatoes can cause apples to become soft and mushy.[19] [20]
    • On the other hand, some people found that keeping an apple or two with potatoes will keep sprouting at bay.
  2. Image titled Stop Potatoes from Sprouting in Storage Step 7
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    Consider keeping some herbs with the potatoes. Studies have shown that herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, and sage, contain oils which help prevent rot and decay in potatoes.[21] These same oils may also help keep the potatoes from sprouting.
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    Try using spearmint or peppermint essential oils. Soak a small piece of blotter paper with the essential oil, and tuck it into the container with the potatoes. Studies have shown that these oils can inhibit sprouting in potatoes.[22]
    • Reapply the essential oil every 2 to 3 weeks, or when needed.[23]
    • Avoid using this method if your storage container is made from metal or plastic. Essential oils can deteriorate these materials.[24]
    • Clove essential oil may also be used, but it requires a thermal or aerosol application, and thus not recommended for home use.[25]
  4. Image titled Stop Potatoes from Sprouting in Storage Step 9
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    Understand that potatoes will eventually sprout, usually within 1 to 4 months. Nothing lasts forever, especially food. While you can keep potatoes from sprouting prematurely, eventually they will start to go bad and sprout. Depending on the variety, potatoes will start forming sprouts naturally between 30 and 140 days.[26] Some people find that the following varieties generally last longer than others: Katahdin, Yellow Finn, and Yukon Gold.[27]
    • If you are storing a variety of potatoes, eat the varieties that don't last as long first.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I eat a potato that has sprouts?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can as long as you cut out any sprouts or green spots. If the potato has gone bad, toss it out. Use common sense, if it doesn’t look good, it probably isn’t.
  • Question
    How many pieces can a potato with sprots be cut into for planting?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    So long as each piece you cut has at least two eyes, you can cut as many pieces as you'd like.
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Warnings

  • Never leave potatoes stored in plastic; this encourages sweating and will increase the chances of sprouting and rotting.
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  • Avoid keeping potatoes in the fridge.[32] Cold temperatures are fine for potatoes, but too cold temperatures can ruin the texture and cause them to turn dark when cooked. If you must store the potatoes in the fridge, let them reach room temperature before you cook them. [33] Storing them in the refrigerator could also form acrylamide, a chemical which has been flagged as a cancer risk.[34]
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  • Never eat sprouted or green potatoes. Always cut the sprouted and green parts off. If the potato is soft or wrinkled, throw it away.[35]
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • Know the symptoms of potato plant poisoning: diarrhea, headaches, stomach aches, troubles breathing, and vomiting. If you experience any of these, contact your health care provider immediately.[36]
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Things You'll Need

  • Paper or fabric bag
  • Cool, dark place

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References

  1. ↑ Olivia Choong. Plant & Gardening Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
  2. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/quick-tip-the-best-way-to-stor-61108
  3. ↑ https://cedarcirclefarm.org/tips/entry/potatoes
  4. ↑ https://cedarcirclefarm.org/tips/entry/potatoes
  5. ↑ http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/storing-garden-potatoes.htm
  6. ↑ http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/potato/storing-garden-potatoes.htm
  7. ↑ Olivia Choong. Plant & Gardening Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
  8. ↑ http://www.potatogoodness.com/all-about-potatoes/buying-storing/
  9. ↑ https://cedarcirclefarm.org/tips/entry/potatoes
  1. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/potatoextension/extension-publications-1/potatoes-from-garden-to-table
  2. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/how-can-i-keep-potatoes-from-s-129608
  3. ↑ Olivia Choong. Plant & Gardening Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
  4. ↑ http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/cis/cis1153.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.potatogoodness.com/all-about-potatoes/buying-storing/
  6. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-food/potato-sprouts-are-they-good.html
  7. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-food/potato-sprouts-are-they-good.html
  8. ↑ http://www.culinarylore.com/food-science:do-apples-keep-potatoes-from-sprouting
  9. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/how-can-i-keep-potatoes-from-s-129608
  10. ↑ http://www.culinarylore.com/food-science:do-apples-keep-potatoes-from-sprouting
  11. ↑ http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/fruitveg/ptatoes.htm
  12. ↑ http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/fruitveg/ptatoes.htm
  13. ↑ http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/cis/cis1120.pdf
  14. ↑ http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/cis/cis1120.pdf
  15. ↑ http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/cis/cis1120.pdf
  16. ↑ http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/cis/cis1120.pdf
  17. ↑ http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edComm/pdf/cis/cis1153.pdf
  18. ↑ http://growagoodlife.com/storing-potatoes/
  19. ↑ https://cedarcirclefarm.org/tips/entry/potatoes
  20. ↑ http://growagoodlife.com/storing-potatoes/
  21. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/how-can-i-keep-potatoes-from-s-129608
  22. ↑ http://www.culinarylore.com/food-science:do-apples-keep-potatoes-from-sprouting
  23. ↑ Olivia Choong. Plant & Gardening Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
  24. ↑ http://www.potatogoodness.com/all-about-potatoes/buying-storing/
  25. ↑ Olivia Choong. Plant & Gardening Specialist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
  26. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-food/potato-sprouts-are-they-good.html
  27. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/organic-products/organic-food/potato-sprouts-are-they-good.html

About This Article

Olivia Choong
Co-authored by:
Olivia Choong
Plant & Gardening Specialist
This article was co-authored by Olivia Choong. Olivia Choong is a Plant and Gardening Specialist and the Owner of The Tender Gardener. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in gardening, permaculture, and self-sufficient and low-impact living practices. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as The Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia (CNA). Olivia holds a Bachelor of Mass Communications in PR and Journalism from Murdoch University. This article has been viewed 169,492 times.
14 votes - 93%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: February 11, 2022
Views: 169,492
Categories: Food Preservation Techniques
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