Aldi has issued advice on how best to store potatoes in the fridge, emphasising that keeping them away from onions can significantly extend their freshness. The supermarket chain aims to 'educate and inspire' shoppers with practical tips to reduce food waste.
Potatoes Are the Most Wasted Food in the UK
According to Aldi, potatoes are among the 'most wasted foods' in the country. Data from WRAP reveals that an astounding 4.4 million potatoes are binned daily. The Eco Experts note that households discard an average of 1.96kg of food daily, equivalent to eight meals per week, with fresh produce topping the list of wasted items.
Storage Tips: Keep Potatoes Away from Onions
Aldi's advice reads: 'Potatoes are one of the most wasted foods in the UK – but they freeze really well once parboiled or cooked. Roasties, mash, jackets – just cool them first, freeze, then reheat straight from frozen. Bonus tip: if you’re not freezing them, store spuds away from onions to stop them sprouting too soon.'
Keeping potatoes away from onions when storing them in the fridge will help them last longer, according to Aldi experts. They also suggest that potatoes can be frozen for later use.
Freezing Other Foods to Reduce Waste
Aldi also offers tips for extending the life of potato-adjacent foods like salads and coleslaw. The supermarket advises: 'Mayo-based slaw? Not a freezer fan. But vinegar-based ones? Go for it. Or make your own for better portion control and freeze any extra grated carrot or sliced cabbage. Pro tip: frozen carrot is perfect for bulking out bolognese, and frozen cabbage can go straight into stir fries.'
Salads can also be frozen to avoid waste. Aldi recommends: 'Mixed salad bowls = sad soggy leftovers. Instead, serve ingredients separately so anything uneaten can be frozen. Tomatoes, peppers and onions are great for cooking straight from frozen, frozen cucumber slices make great ice cubes, and frozen salad leaves can be blitzed into pesto.'
Proper Storage Prevents Sprouting and Mould
Potatoes, whether home-cultivated or purchased from shops, require appropriate storage to avoid sprouting, softening, or developing mould. Aldi's guidance aims to help shoppers make the most of their produce and reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
