Potatoes are the most wasted food item in British homes, with 2.9 million discarded daily, but a simple storage trick involving a common kitchen item can extend their shelf life.
Courtenay Hartford, founder of Creekline House, has shared a "quick and easy" method to prevent potatoes from sprouting prematurely: store them with an apple.
"So here's what you do: Open your bag of potatoes. Toss in an apple. Store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight as you usually would. That's it! That one little apple can prevent an entire ten-pound bag of potatoes from starting to sprout all by itself. In my experience, the variety of apple doesn't make a difference, and neither does the type of potato," Hartford said.
Why apples help potatoes last longer
Potatoes spoil prematurely when exposed to light or dampness, which can trigger hormonal shifts in the vegetable. This can awaken the potato eyes, small protrusions on the surface that are dormant shoots.
These buds may develop into sprouts, causing the potato to produce solanine, a chemical compound that makes potatoes toxic for consumption or turns them green.
Apples release ethylene gas, a plant hormone that most fruits emit to facilitate ripening. When kept near potatoes, this gas can interfere with the plant hormones responsible for triggering sprouting, helping to preserve freshness.
Other potato storage tips
While apples can help slow sprouting, the only guaranteed way to maintain potato freshness is storing them in the right location. Potatoes should never be exposed to heat or sunlight, so they should not be placed near hot ovens, air fryers, or windows.
It is also advised to keep potatoes separate from other vegetables, particularly onions and garlic, as these release excessive moisture that can lead to decomposition.
The optimal method is to store potatoes somewhere dark, dry, and cool, such as a pantry or a lower cupboard close to the floor, as higher cupboards may be subjected to excessive steam.
