How Long Do Potatoes Last? Do They Go Bad?

Have you ever bought a sack of potatoes and wondered how long it would last before they went bad?

Is it possible to identify when a potato is no longer fresh and safe to eat, or do you just have to inspect each one individually?

If so, what are some telltale signs that indicate the potato has gone bad?

In this blog post, we’ll answer all your questions about potatoes and their shelf life–from storage suggestions to expiration dates.

We’ll also delve into which parts of the tuber get affected first by age (and spoilage) as well as how best to dispose of any rotten spuds.

So read on if you want all the latest facts and tips for storing your potatoes like a pro!

What’s Potato?

Potatoes are a type of starchy tuber that grows underground.

They’re a popular food all around the world and can be cooked in many different ways.

Potatoes are usually harvested in the fall, but they can be stored for several months if kept in a cool, dark place.

There are many different types of potatoes, including red potatoes, white potatoes, Russet potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Each type of potato has its own unique flavor and texture.

Potatoes can be boiled, baked, roasted, or mashed.

They can also be used to make french fries, potato chips, or mashed potato balls.

Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

They’re also low in calories and fat.

However, potatoes shouldn’t be eaten too often as they can cause weight gain if consumed in large quantities.

How to Store Potatoes?

Storing potatoes is a bit different than storing other vegetables.

Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place with plenty of ventilation.

An ideal storage spot for potatoes would be in a cellar or root cellar.

If you don’t have either of those, you can store your potatoes in a cool, dark closet or pantry.

When storing potatoes, make sure to keep them away from any other fruits or vegetables.

This is because potatoes give off a gas called ethylene that can cause other fruits and vegetables to spoil more quickly.

So, if you want your other produce to last as long as possible, keep your potatoes stored separately.

If you plan on storing your potatoes for more than a few weeks, you’ll need to check on them every so often to make sure they’re still fresh.

Potatoes that have started to sprout or have developed soft spots should be used as soon as possible.

Otherwise, your potatoes should last several months when stored properly.

How Long Do Potatoes Last?

Potatoes are a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can last for weeks when stored properly.

The key to prolonging the shelf life of potatoes is to keep them in a cool, dark place with plenty of airflow.

A root cellar or pantry is ideal, but a cool closet or even the back of the fridge will work in a pinch.

Once you have selected a storage spot, the next step is to sort through your potatoes and get rid of any that are bruised, soft, or sprouting.

These potatoes won’t last as long and are best used immediately.

The rest of your potatoes can be stored in a mesh bag, perforated plastic bag, or even an open box lined with newspaper.

Potatoes will last longest when kept at temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so adjust your fridge accordingly if necessary.

Check on your potatoes every few days to make sure they’re still fresh and use any that have started to soften or sprout immediately.

With proper care, potatoes can last for several weeks – just in time for another round of baking, frying, or mashed potato making.

How to Tell If Potatoes are Bad?

There are a few ways to tell if potatoes are bad. The first way is to look at them.

If the potatoes are starting to sprout or if they have any mold on them, they should be thrown out.

Another way to tell if potatoes are bad is to smell them.

If they smell sour or rancid, they should be thrown out.

The final way to tell if potatoes are bad is to touch them.

If they are soft or have any bruises, they should be thrown out.

If you’re not sure if your potatoes are bad, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw them out.

Potatoes that have gone bad can cause food poisoning, so it’s not worth taking the risk.

When in doubt, throw it out.

How Can You Extend The Shelf Life of Potatoes?

There are a few easy ways that you can extend the shelf life of potatoes.

First, make sure to store them in a cool, dark place.

A pantry or cupboard away from any heat source is ideal.

You can also keep them in the fridge, but be aware that they may develop a sweeter taste if stored this way.

Second, keep them in a breathable container.

A paper bag or cloth sack is ideal, but avoid using plastic bags as they will trap moisture and cause the potatoes to rot.

Finally, inspect your potatoes regularly and discard any that show signs of spoilage such as bruising, sprouting, or discoloration.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy fresh potatoes for weeks or even months.

Can You Freeze Potatoes?

You can freeze potatoes, but there are a few things you should know first.

Potatoes are best suited for freezing when they are raw and have not been cooked yet.

That being said, you can technically freeze cooked potatoes, but they won’t taste as good once thawed and reheated.

When freezing potatoes, make sure to wash and peel them first.

Cut them into uniform pieces (this will help them cook evenly later on) and then blanch them in boiling water for two minutes.

After blanching, immediately plunge the potatoes into ice water to stop the cooking process.

Once they’re cooled, drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Now your potatoes are ready to be frozen.

Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them into the freezer.

Once they’re frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Label it with the date so you know how long they’ve been in there, and try to use them within six months for best results.

When you’re ready to use your frozen potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

You can then bake, roast, or fry them like you would any other potato dish.

Conclusion

You can store potatoes in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks.

If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also store them in the fridge for up to four weeks.

You’ll know they’ve gone bad if they start to sprout or develop soft spots.

If you want to freeze potatoes, make sure you blanch them first.

Thanks for reading and I hope this was helpful.