Are you wondering How to Store Potatoes Long Term without a root cellar? These simple little potato storage tricks work like a charm!
Then… be sure you also know How to Keep Strawberries Fresh Longer and how to Grow Green Onions in Water!
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
More Food Preservation Tips
One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to simply avoid food waste.
So be sure to check out even more of my clever tips that will help your produce last longer…
How to Keep Strawberries Fresh Longer
With these easy little tricks, you’ll never need to toss out your favorite berries again!
How to Keep Bananas Fresh
If you want to keep your bananas from ripening too quickly, you really need to try this trick!
How to Keep Lettuce Fresh
Avoid waste and make your lettuce last longer when you use this easy tip!
How to Keep Celery Fresh
Keep your Celery fresh and crisp with this simple tip that is sure to save you money!
How to Keep Cilantro Fresh
Keeping Cilantro Fresh really couldn’t be easier, and it’s the only way I store it. This little kitchen trick works like a charm!
How to Keep Basil Fresh
Make your fresh basil last longer when you use this simple trick for how to keep basil fresh!
Genius Kitchen Tips and Tricks to Save Time and Effort
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Canning and Preserving for Beginners (Your Ultimate Guide)
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Clever Kitchen and Grocery Tips
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Before you use bite into those fruits and veggies, be sure to use this DIY Fruit and Veggie Wash with Vinegar!
Sweet Potato Slips (How to Grow Sweet Potatoes at Home!)
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So have you tried any of these tips for How to Store Potatoes Long Term yet?
Leave a comment & share!
Love the hole punch idea in a big paper bag. We have a big basket but also store onions and garlic so having them in a bag for each is perfect.
Definitely… I love that idea for having a bag for each!
Thanks for these tips for storing because I was wondering! Taking the potatoes out of the frig now. Lol!
Haha… that’s a good choice, Kathrine! 🙂
Merci beaucoup pour ces conseils, on aime beaucoup les pommes de terre Ă la maison
Bonne journée
Avec plaisir, Delphine. 🙂 Bonne journée
These are great tips. I see some of my friends storing potatoes in the fridge, and that’s a big no for me.
xoxo
Lovely
I completely agree, Lovely! They really are so much better out of the fridge. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your tips Heidi! I’ve always stored my potatoes in the pantry and now I’ll keep in mind to use a paper bag or wire basket. Storing food properly is so important and helps us deal with less waste!
That’s so true… I’m always looking for ways to cut down on food waste, and these tricks really do help!
Thanks Heidi,
I live in Florida and my potatoes sprout in a few days when I get them home. It is so frustrating but even with the air on our condo has a high humidity. I’ll try the paper bag tip. Thanks
Oh no ~ that humidity really does a number on potatoes! Definitely try the paper bag tip or a wire basket in a cool dark closet. 🙂
Great tips! Love the idea of punching out holes in the paper bag! Will have to try it out!
Yes, definitely… it’s such a simple little trick! 🙂
I already follow most of your suggestions. Living in Florida, few homes have a basement or cellar. I store mine in a brown paper bag in a closet. It’s the same temperature as the rest of the house but that’s all I can do that way. Good post!
That’s so good you’re already storing them in a brown paper bag in a dark closet, Carol… even if that’s all you can do, you’re already way ahead of the game!
Great tips! We usually store them in a wire basket and they keep well.
Have a wonderful week!
That’s wonderful… that airflow really does make such a difference!
Once again, thanks for these handy tips, Heidi.
Potatoes sprout fast in our tropical corner of the world!
You’re very welcome, Veronica! These tips will definitely help to slow down that sprouting process! 🙂