How to Store Potatoes Long Term (It Works!)

Are you wondering How to Store Potatoes Long Term without a root cellar? These simple little potato storage tricks work like a charm!

How to Store Potatoes Long Term

Once you know How to Store Potatoes Long Term, keeping fresh potatoes on hand at home will be so much easier.

There’s nothing worse than going to grab some potatoes for dinner only to realize they’ve started sprouting or turning green, right?

That’s why I’ve rounded up some of my favorite potato storage tricks to share with you today!

These simply kitchen tips work great for Russet Potatoes, Red Potatoes, Yellow Potatoes, Petite Fingerlings, and Sweet Potatoes… and are the easiest way to make your potatoes last longer!

So what is the best way to store potatoes? Simply follow these proven tips to ensure you’ll have potatoes on hand whenever you need them.

Here’s what you need to do to help your potatoes last longer at home…

Related: Fruit and Veggie Wash

How Do You Store Potatoes Long Term Without a Root Cellar?

It’s actually so easy!

No root cellar is required to be able to store your potatoes for an extended period of time.

All you’ll need are cool, dark and dry conditions, and you can drastically extend the life of your potatoes!

#1: Store Potatoes in a Cool Cupboard, Closet, Basement, or Root Cellar.

The warmer the temperature, the faster your potatoes will want to sprout.

That’s why you’ll first want to find a cool location in your home to store your potatoes.

Whether it’s a cool cupboard or hall closet, a chilly basement, or even a root cellar, the cooler the location the longer the potatoes will hold off on sprouting.

#2: But Keep Them Out of the Refrigerator

Even though potatoes love cool locations, you’ll want to make sure you keep them OUT of your refrigerator.

When potatoes are stored in the fridge, the starches in them can convert to sugar.

#3: Store Potatoes in a Dark Location & Keep the Light Away

Now back to that cool cupboard, closet, basement or root cellar… in addition to a nice cool location, you’ll also want to keep your potatoes out of the light.

Why store potatoes in the dark?

Well, when potatoes are exposed to too much light, a green hue can start to take over on the skin. This can be a sign that the potato is now potentially harmful to eat, so we obviously want to avoid having potatoes ever start to turn green in the first place.

Thankfully, the lack of light will help avoid that, prolong the life of the potato, and reduce early sprouting.

#4: Store Potatoes in a Brown Paper Bag or Wire Basket

The key here is to always make sure your potatoes are well ventilated when stored. So if you’re wondering… can you store potatoes in a paper sack?

Well, you sure can!

As opposed to closed off airtight containers or zipped up plastic bags, open brown paper bags are a great way to store potatoes to allow for proper ventilation and air flow. I like to punch holes in my bags with a paper hole punch first to allow for even better ventilation.

Simply fold your bag in half and punch two rows of holes every inch or two like this…

Or as an alternative, you can place them in a large open plastic milk crate or wire basket with holes allowing for plenty of air circulation.

#5: Keep Potatoes Dry & Away from Humidity

Along with the well ventilated storage… you’ll want to make sure you also find a dry spot in your home to store potatoes.

So a steamy bathroom closet or garage that gets humid obviously won’t be good options.

When you’re locating that perfect, cool, dark spot in your home… just make sure it’s a spot that also is nice and dry.

Bonus Tip: How to Store Potatoes From Garden

Do you have potatoes growing outside in the garden, or potato grow bags?

Here’s what you need to do…

Frugal friend Margaret writes: “One other tip for people growing their own potatoes… gently brush off the dirt. DO NOT WASH THEM. I learned this tip in 4H. It helps keep them longer. That also goes for all stored, home grown root vegetables.”

How to Use up Potatoes at Home

Related: Delicious Potato Side Dish Recipes

So now that you know how to store potatoes long term, you may want some more ideas of delicious ways to use up those taters!

Here are some of my favorite ways to use potatoes…

• Cheesy Potato Bake
• Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
• Hasselback Potatoes
• Homemade Baked Potato Soup
• Homemade Hash Browns
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Loaded Potato Casserole
• Loaded Smashed Potatoes
• Potato Pancakes
• Pressure Cooker Baked Potatoes
• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Herb Potatoes
• Seasoned Potato Wedges Recipe
• Shepherd’s Pie
• Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Sweet Potato Baby Food
• Delicious Sweet Potato Pie
• Zuppa Toscana

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One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to simply avoid food waste.  

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So have you tried any of these tips for How to Store Potatoes Long Term yet?

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