How to keep potatoes cool?
It is not necessary to wash the potatoes once they have been purchased.
Indeed, this vegetable does not appreciate humidity.
It therefore needs to be put under water before being cooked.
For better conservation, it is better to find a dry, cool place, away from light.
Indeed, the potato tends to turn green, and therefore indigestible, if it is too exposed to the sun.
It therefore prefers to be stored in a dark place, ideally between 6 and 8°C.
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The vegetable drawer in the refrigerator is often its designated place for better conservation.
However, it is still necessary to ensure that it is not in contact with humidity, at the risk of germinating quickly.
If the vegetable drawer does not allow it to be stored, the potato also finds an ideal place in a cellar, in a storeroom or in a garage.
On the other hand, this vegetable is very afraid of temperatures below 6°C, because the starch it contains turns into sugar.
Read alsoSix mistakes to avoid when cooking potatoes
Which container to choose for storing potatoes?
Once it has its place, it is important to choose the right container to store the potatoes.
Indeed, they need air so as not to germinate or macerate.
Airtight boxes are therefore to be avoided, as they may not breathe inside them.
It is best to store them in a burlap bag, in a net or even a kraft paper bag.
If the potatoes are intended to be stored in a cellar or cellar, it is quite possible to place them in a wooden crate or in a wicker basket.
The air can thus circulate normally and the potatoes are all the happier for it.
Some grandmother's tips for storing potatoes
Grandma's tricks are always appreciated and effective in all areas.
For potatoes, there are a few to store them optimally.
First of all, it is not recommended to place this vegetable next to onions.
The two don't mix well.
Flavor transfer leads to rapid sprouting and even rotting of both foods.
However, potatoes like to be in the company of apples.
These slow down germination and allow the potatoes to be kept for up to 2 months longer.
The number of apples varies depending on the quantity of potatoes to be kept.
Another grandma's trick to try: charcoal.
In a wooden box or a wicker basket, it can be a good idea to place the potatoes with a few pieces of charcoal.
The latter are particularly useful for absorbing humidity and thus preventing the potatoes from sprouting too quickly.
In addition, they promote air circulation.
Everything potatoes need to keep as long as possible.
In video, five mistakes to avoid when preparing potatoes
How to store cooked potatoes?
Once cooked, it is strongly recommended to store the potatoes in the refrigerator.
It is possible to cook them in steam or in water, to then prepare a gratin dauphinois or a homemade mash.
In this case, just put them on a plate and cover them with a tea towel or paper towel.
Before being placed in the refrigerator, it is necessary to ensure that the potatoes are already cooled.
On the other hand, the potatoes can also be placed in an airtight box which will then be put in the refrigerator.
Unlike raw potatoes, they must be airtight to retain their flavor.
