How to slow down the germination of potatoes? Many people refuse the sight of germinating tubers, and some give up altogether. Few people know that we can slow down the germination process. All you have to do is add a little of your favorite product to a bag of potatoes.
Although potatoes do not spoil for a long time and can be stored at home for many months, they will start to sprout over time. This is a natural growth cycle, but it can be intensified if you store the tubers in the wrong way. Causes of germination include inappropriate temperature, incorrect humidity or access to light. Although sometimes it is beyond our control, there are some simple ways to delay this process.
How to stop potato sprouting? All you need is this one product
The germination rate of tubers depends mainly on the way they are stored. Potatoes should be stored in a dry and dark place and the prevailing temperature should not exceed 20 degrees Celsius. It should be noted right away that storing these vegetables in the refrigerator is a very bad idea, as high humidity and very low temperatures can lead to rotting. A pantry or cellar is best suited. But that’s not all. It is worth adding a preparation to the tubers that slows down the germination process. We are talking about bay leaf.
Just throw about 5 bay leaves into a box or bag of potatoes and you will forget about the problem.
If you don’t have this product at home, it will also serve well apple. This fruit secretes ethylene, which inhibits the ripening process.
Can you eat potatoes that have started to sprout? It’s not that obvious
If you find that your potatoes are growing offshoots, you don’t have to throw them away right away. However, it is worth paying attention to what stage the germination process is at. Green tubers should definitely not be eaten, because such a color indicates a high concentration of chemical compounds. Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids, the amount of which is reduced by heat treatment. This is why raw potatoes are not to be eaten, because it is so easy to get food poisoning. However, if you notice the beginnings of sprouting on your potatoes, simply cut off the stems and brown eyes, boil them and they will be safe to eat.
Add them to the bag of potatoes. A simple trick delayed the germination process