An expert has revealed that potatoes should not be stored next to onions in the fridge, as this can cause them to sprout faster and reduce their shelf life. The advice comes as more people turn to refrigeration to keep potatoes cool and prevent sprouting.
Why Onions and Potatoes Don't Mix
Kate Hall, a household food waste specialist and author, told the Guardian that keeping potatoes away from onions is crucial. The ethylene gas released by onions accelerates the sprouting process in potatoes, diminishing how long they can be stored.
Hall explained: "Keeping them in a cool, dark cupboard is fine. It's recommended that you keep them away from onions."
Tesco's Storage Tips
Tesco also weighed in on proper potato storage. The supermarket chain advises removing potatoes from plastic bags and placing them in a cool spot away from other fruits and vegetables. They recommend storing potatoes in a paper bag in a dark place such as a porch cupboard or garden shed, or even the fridge if space allows.
Tesco stated: "When a potato sprouts, the tubers start to regrow and the potatoes start to lose their flavour. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your potatoes nearly as fresh as the day you bought them, for up to six months."
Other Foods to Keep Out of the Fridge
While some items benefit from refrigeration, others like coffee should be stored elsewhere. Hannah Whitton, head of coffee at Craft House Coffee, described storing coffee in the fridge as "a unanimous no." She explained that coffee beans are highly porous and absorb food odours, while temperature fluctuations create condensation that destroys delicate flavours.
