You’re Storing Potatoes All Wrong — But Don’t Worry, So Was I

Okay, confession time. For years, I kept my potatoes in a bowl on the kitchen counter, right next to the onions, under the window. It was pretty — rustic, even. But you know what? Those potatoes were always sprouting or going soft before I could get through the bag.

I’d pick one up, and it’d feel like a stress ball with eyes. Not great.

Turns out, I was doing literally everything wrong — and I’m guessing, if you’re here, maybe you are too (no judgment, promise). But the good news? It’s super easy to fix. And once you get the hang of it, your potatoes will last way longer — and taste better, too.

Let’s chat about it, like friends in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Actually Want to Store Them Right

• You won’t keep throwing out mushy or sprouted potatoes (yes, even that sad one with a beard).

• You’ll save a little money and a lot of frustration.

• Your mashed potatoes? Your home fries? Your cheesy gratins? Better texture, better flavor, every time.

• It’s easier than you think — no fancy equipment, just a little know-how.

First Things First: Potatoes Are Alive

Wild, right? Even after they’re out of the ground, potatoes are still breathing, changing, trying to grow. That’s why they sprout when they sit too long.

So when we talk about storing them right, we’re not just talking organization. We’re talking about keeping those little spud hearts calm and sleepy, so they don’t start growing again in your pantry.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Stick Them in the Fridge

I used to think, “Cold equals fresh,” right? But nope. Not for potatoes.

When potatoes get too cold — like refrigerator cold — the starches start turning into sugar. That means they’ll taste weirdly sweet when you cook them (which is super noticeable if you’re making fries or roasting them).

And here’s the kicker: those sugars can turn into something called acrylamide when you cook them at high heat, which is… not great.

Bottom line? Fridge = bad potato vibes.

So… Where Should They Go?

You want a spot that’s:

• Cool (but not cold — somewhere around 45–50°F is perfect)

• Dark (light makes them turn green and bitter)

• Dry (no moisture, no mold)

• Ventilated (air needs to move around them)

If you have a basement or a garage that doesn’t freeze in the winter — jackpot. If not, the back of a pantry or cupboard works. Just don’t stick them under the sink (too damp) or near the oven (too hot).

Breathe, Baby, Breathe — No Plastic Bags

This part is so simple, but it makes such a difference: ditch the plastic bags.

They trap moisture, which makes your potatoes sweat (and rot). Instead, go for a paper bag, a mesh sack, or one of those cute old-school burlap bags if you’re feeling fancy.

Even a cardboard box with a few holes poked in it will do the job.

Potatoes and Onions Need a Break

I know, I know — they look cute together in a basket. But it’s a toxic relationship. Onions give off a gas that makes potatoes sprout like it’s springtime on the farm.

So yeah, as much as you want them to be besties — store them apart.

Potatoes + Light = Green, Bitter, and a Bit Toxic

Ever picked up a potato and seen green skin? That’s chlorophyll — and it usually means solanine is in there, too. Solanine is a natural compound that potatoes make to protect themselves from light and pests.

It’s bitter, and if you eat too much of it, it can actually make you sick. So yeah, green potatoes = not great.

Solution? Keep them in the dark. Literally. Stick them in a covered basket, inside a cabinet, or throw a towel over them. They don’t mind the dark — they love it.

Should You Wash Them First? Nope.

Even if they’re dirty. Even if your inner clean freak is twitching.
Washing potatoes before storing them adds moisture, and moisture leads to mold.

Just brush off the excess dirt and leave the washing for when you’re ready to cook. I promise, they won’t mind.

Too Much Humidity? Disaster. Too Little? Sad Wrinkly Spuds.

Here’s a detail most folks don’t think about: humidity.
Potatoes like a little moisture in the air — not on them — but too much or too little makes them go bad fast.

Aim for that sweet spot: about 80–90% humidity. If your house is dry (hello, winter heating), storing them in a covered bin with a bit of air flow helps. Just don’t seal them up completely.

How to Spot a Potato Gone Bad

Even with all the right moves, sometimes potatoes just… give up. Here’s what to watch for:

• Soft, squishy spots

• Wrinkly, dry skin

• Funky smells

• Big green patches or loads of sprouts

If they’re just a little sprouted, you can snap those off and keep going. But if they’re mushy or look like they belong in a sci-fi movie? Toss ‘em. You deserve better.

About Those TikTok Potato Hacks…

You’ve probably seen the one about putting an apple in with your potatoes to stop sprouting. Or storing them in sawdust. Or wrapping them in newspaper.

Some of these ideas have some science behind them. But honestly? You don’t need to get fancy. Just give your potatoes a cool, dark, breathable home, check on them once a week, and you’re golden.

Thinking Big? Long-Term Storage Tips

If you’re the type who buys potatoes in bulk (hello, Costco run), you might want to think about long-term storage.

No root cellar? No problem. Try this:

• Store in a garage or basement that doesn’t get below freezing

• Use a wooden crate, cardboard box, or large paper bag

• Add newspaper between layers if you’re stacking them

• Check once a week and pull any that are going soft — like fruit, one bad one can spoil the bunch

Alright, Spud Squad — You’re Ready

Look at you, potato whisperer. Now you know how to keep your spuds fresh, firm, and ready for action. No more sad, sprouting lumps. Just good, clean, buttery possibilities.

And hey — if you’ve got your own potato-saving trick, or maybe a family story about that time someone tried to store them in the freezer (oops), I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment, send a message, or just shout it into the void of the internet.

We’re all figuring this stuff out one baked potato at a time.