Potatoes are a very well-known vegetable all over the world. They can be used in various potato dishes, including potato chips and mashed potatoes.
Even though potatoes are a popular ingredient in many dishes, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients. There are many reasons that potatoes can go sour, surprisingly.
The shelf life of potatoes depends on many factors, like how they are stored and whether they have been cooked or raw. If potatoes become spoiled, they can’t be used for cooking. Rotten potatoes might even contain high levels of toxic substances.
How do you know when a potato has gone wrong and what can be done to keep it from going bad so quickly? Let’s take a closer view of how to keep your produce fresher for longer and avoid eating unsafe food.
HOW DO I TELL IF POTATOES are rotten?
You can identify uncooked potatoes by their texture and appearance if they are damaged.
Raw potatoes should have no blemishes and be smooth to the touch. They will be slightly earthy in smell but not moldy.
Signs that a Raw Potato Is Bad
They usually last between one week and several months if they are raw or cooked. You can check for signs that your potatoes are rotten:
When raw potatoes are being held, they should not be softened. If the potato skin becomes too soft, it is best to throw it out.
If raw potatoes are covered in bruises, black spots, or other imperfections, they may not be safe to eat.
If the potato is too soft and mushy, it may be spoiled.
After potatoes are harvested, their earthy aroma is evident. Any other smell, like rotten or musty, indicates spoilage.
Sometimes, a potato might look spotless but emit a foul-smelling odor. These potatoes are susceptible to internal problems that cannot be seen until they are peeled.
CAN YOU EAT POTATO SPROUTS
No.
WHY ARE GREEN POTATOES AVAILABLE?
The production of chlorophyll can cause potatoes to turn green if they aren’t properly stored.
These toxins can also be detected if the potatoes are turning green. These toxins are often found in the skin, sprouts, and under the peel.
How long can potatoes stay in the fridge before they go wrong?
There are better options than the refrigerator for potato storage. However, if there is no excellent, dry place to store potatoes, such as a root basement, the fridge will be your only safe option.
The average potato will last for 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator, but it will be sweetened when cooked.
If the potatoes are already sliced, you should keep them in cold water before storing them in the refrigerator. The raw potatoes should remain good for at least 24 hours.
You can store cooked potatoes in the fridge for three to four extra days. While cooked potatoes can be kept in the freezer for one year without degradation, they will still taste great.
How to Keep Potatoes Fresher and Last Longer
A longer shelf life for potatoes will allow you to be more flexible in the kitchen. It will also give you safer produce to work with. Here are some tips to help keep potatoes fresher for longer.
So that potatoes last as long as possible, ensure you only buy the freshest and firmest products.
Your potatoes should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place.
Keep the potatoes from being exposed to sunlight during their storage. This prevents solanine from being produced, which could make them toxic.
It would help if you did not place potatoes in plastic bags. They will choke and become hardened.
Place potatoes in an air-conditioned container.
Potatoes can be stored in the freezer. However, this is not recommended. Cooler temperatures will make potatoes darker and turn their starch into sugar.
Before the potatoes become sprouts, you need to remove their eyes.
Keep potatoes away from onions. Onions create a gas, which makes potatoes ripen faster.
To preserve your potatoes for up to five more years, can them.
You should check your potatoes regularly and throw out those no longer needed. Bacteria can quickly spread to potatoes from other countries.
They can begin to harbor pathogens and bacteria after just a few more days.
These symptoms may occur if you have a foodborne infection.
- Fievre
- stomach cramps
- Muscle aches
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- These symptoms can cause severe dehydration, hospitalizations, or even death.
Don’t cook potatoes in the oven for more than four days.
Also, mold can be found on potatoes that have been cooked. Mold can look like a fuzz or have a few dark brown spots.
Conclusion
Potatoes have a long shelf life. It all depends on how long they are stored and how cooked. You can keep your potatoes fresh if you have the right conditions.