The humble potato is always reliable. While other vegetables ride the waves of foodie trends (looking at you, kale), a hearty potato will never do you wrong. Filling, delicious, and full of nutrients: The potato is a classic.
Here are a few ways to keep your potatoes fresh and sprout-free. You might be surprised to learn you've been storing potatoes all wrong.
Advertisement
1. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place
![](https://sftimes.s3.amazonaws.com/1/2/f/c/12fcfe24ed4992385d68e4300c860d40.jpg)
Shutterstock
If you're putting your potatoes in the refrigerator crisper drawer with the rest of your veggies, you're doing it wrong. Potatoes should be stored in cool, dark environments — ideally, 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with low humidity.
2. Cure the potatoes before storing
![](https://sftimes.s3.amazonaws.com/e/b/5/b/eb5b1df2e730bdf90968d063f39255a8.jpg)
Shutterstock
Curing toughens up a potato's skin and extends the potato's storage life. To do so, spread potatoes out in shallow trays lined with newspaper. Cover the trays with a dark towel and let them cure for several weeks.
3. Store potatoes with dried herbs
![](https://sftimes.s3.amazonaws.com/f/a/7/8/fa78f2c70cb38b9b2bd93c26181f7768.jpg)
Shutterstock
Herbs such as lavender, rosemary and sage contain oils that help prevent rot and decay in potatoes. Put herbs in a cotton muslin drawstring bag and store it with your potatoes.
4. Don't wash potatoes before storing them
![](https://sftimes.s3.amazonaws.com/6/c/6/9/6c696e56891f19f23180d385f783fa1f.jpg)
Shutterstock
Potatoes stay fresh longer when they're unwashed. Simply brush off excess dirt before you store potatoes.
5. Store an apple with your potatoes
![](https://sftimes.s3.amazonaws.com/3/5/4/5/3545d6baf6b755911ac0e849d79078a5.jpg)
Shutterstock
Advertisement
Ripening apples give off ethylene gas, which promotes sprouting — so conventional wisdom advises against storing apples with potatoes. Creek Line House, however, has had success with storing an apple wedge along with potatoes.