A viral TikTok hack claims that storing an apple with potatoes can prevent them from sprouting and turning green. The tip, shared by user @leen.bd, suggests that the ethylene gas released by apples as they ripen helps keep potatoes fresh for longer.
According to the Journal of Food Science and Technology, ethylene gas slows carbohydrate metabolism and increases respiration rate in potatoes, delaying sprouting. However, experts warn that this trick should only be used for potatoes, as ethylene can accelerate ripening in other fruits and vegetables.
Standard advice for storing potatoes includes keeping them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, such as an open basket, away from moisture. Sprouted potatoes can be safe to eat if the sprouts and any green parts are removed, but they may contain toxins solanine and chaconine, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Fans of the hack have praised it as life-changing, with one commenter saying: 'Known since about one year. Changed my life! It works!' The tip has gained traction on social media, though some caution that it may not work for all potato varieties or storage conditions.
