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Washing and storing produce is typically a part of any food prep, but what about potatoes? Should you wash potatoes before storing them? Turns out you should actually skip this step.
Southern Living consulted with Donald Russo, a senior manager at Baldor Specialty Foods, for his thoughts on potato washing before storing.
- Donald Russo is a senior manager at Baldor Specialty Food.
Do You Need To Wash Potatoes Before Storing Them?
You should never wash your potatoes before storing them, says Russo. “Storing them as is when purchased will help extend their shelf life,” Russo says.
So no matter what type of potato you bring home from the store, skip the washing step and store them wherever you keep this starchy vegetable. The washing can come just before you’re ready to start cooking the potatoes.
Why Washing Potatoes Before Storing Them Is A Bad Idea
“Washing potatoes before storing them actually shortens their shelf life,” notes Russo. This is because washing a potato with cold water “will introduce moisture and could potentially lead to bacteria growth,” adds the Baldor manager.
Russo explains further: “Potatoes like to be in a cool, dark, and dry environment and should be stored accordingly to extend [their] shelf life.”
What Happens When Moisture Impacts Potatoes?
Moisture’s impact on potatoes can be quick or gradual, says Russo. When the impact is swift, “you might see a slight amount of surface mold or fuzz around the eyes of the potato,” explains Russo. If there’s a lot of moisture, you could find that the skin of the potato starts to slip or peel when rubbed. “Extended moisture effects include the introduction of bacteria or fungus to the potato and promote the root vegetable’s decay or breakdown,” says Russo.
Washing potatoes before storing them for later use is a surefire way to shorten their shelf life and leave you needing to make a quick grocery run the next time you’re ready to make those mashed potatoes.
Tips For Storing Potatoes
Potatoes enjoy spaces that are cool, dark, and dry. Russo says the ideal storage temp is 42-45 degrees Fahrenheit, so be careful that your potato storage area, whether it’s a pantry or the back of a cupboard, isn’t too cold as this extreme doesn’t suit potatoes. Since most refrigerators hover around 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit, storing potatoes in the refrigerator is not advisable, says Russo.
You also want to avoid storing the spuds in a plastic bag, as this material can “promote condensation and introduce moisture.” Instead, keep in an open paper bag in a cool, dark, and dry location at home,” advises Russo.
So while you may be in the habit of prewashing other produce as soon as you’ve brought it home from the grocery store, this is one vegetable that can be put away immediately and washed when you’re ready to use it.