Waste management experts Wheeldon Brothers have suggested that storing potatoes near apples could help delay sprouting. Apples release a natural gas called ethylene, which can slow the development of sprouts under certain conditions, potentially giving households more time to use their potatoes before they begin to deteriorate.
How the apple trick works
The experts said: "It’s an easy way to reduce waste and make your groceries last." They added: "Ethylene gas helps regulate the ripening process, which can slow sprouting in potatoes."
The advice could be useful for anyone who buys potatoes in larger bags, only to find that some have started sprouting before they can get through them. However, the apple trick is not guaranteed to prevent sprouting entirely.
Additional storage advice
Households should therefore continue to check their potatoes regularly rather than relying on an apple to keep them fresh indefinitely. Wheeldon Brothers also recommend refrigeration as another way to extend the shelf life of potatoes.
They said: "Refrigerating potatoes can keep them fresh up to three times longer." The experts added that previous concerns about storing potatoes in the fridge have been addressed by more recent research.
Signs of spoilage to watch for
Potatoes should also be kept away from light, which can cause them to turn green. Wheeldon Brothers warned: "Sprouted or green potatoes should not be eaten."
They added: "To keep your potatoes in top condition, store them properly and check them often for any signs of spoilage." Although placing an apple alongside potatoes may help delay sprouting, checking them regularly and keeping them in suitable conditions remains important.
