Storing potatoes may seem like a simple task, but the way we conserve them directly influence their durability and quality. Many times, unknowingly, we put this food in places that accelerate its rot or make them sprout faster, which can lead to waste and loss of flavor.
Fridge and the fruit tree?
Storing potatoes in the fridge or fruit may seem like a practical solution, but it’s not the best way to keep this food. According to Green Vibe, the cold of the fridge causes a change in the starch present in this food, which turns into sugar.
This change alters the taste, making the potatoes sweet, and also modifies the texture, which gets harder or even sandy after cooking. In addition, intense cold can accelerate internal deterioration, causing them to spoil faster.
On the other hand, storing this food next to fruits like apples or bananas on the fruit tree is also harmful. According to the same source, these fruits release ethylene gas, a substance that accelerates the germination of potatoes.
The presence of this gas causes sprouts to appear faster, making potatoes less like consumption. Thus, while it seems convenient, keeping the potatoes on the fruit fruit or fridge can cause more waste and damage.
The ideal place to conserve potatoes
To keep the potatoes fresh longer, Green Vibe recommends storing them in a cool, dark and well ventilated place. A pantry, a closet or even a wooden box are proper options for this purpose.
These places should have a stable temperature, ideally between 7 ° C and 10 ° C, to delay both germination and decomposition of tubers. It is important to avoid too low temperatures, such as those of the refrigerator, or too high, which also impair conservation.
The absence of light prevents potatoes from becoming green, which indicates the presence of Solanin, a substance that can make the tuber toxic. Good ventilation helps to avoid excess moisture, thus reducing the risk of molding and rotting. According to Green Vibe, these simple care makes all the difference in domestic conservation, helping to maintain quality and prolong the durability of this food.
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How to prepare storage potatoes
Before storing the potatoes, it should be avoided by washing them, as retained moisture favors the development of mold and accelerates the decomposition process.
Green Vibe stresses that it is preferable to remove only the loose soil with a dry brush or hands, keeping the dried potatoes as possible before storing them. This care helps to stay firm and in good condition for longer.
Another important recommendation of greeen vibe is to avoid using plastic bags, which retain moisture and prevent air circulation. Instead, the ideal is to opt for paper bags, which allow for better ventilation.
In addition, potatoes should not be huddled so that the air circulates between them, reducing the risk of moist zones that cause premature rot.
Tips for prolonging the freshness of potatoes
Keeping potatoes away from ethylene gas, such as apples and bananas, is critical to delaying germination. The same source explains that this gas acts as a natural accelerator from the sprouting process, so it is important to separate food to preserve the freshness of potatoes. Direct exposure to light should also be avoided as this stimulates the production of green pigments and toxic substances.
To extend durability, advises the frequent verification of the state of potatoes. Any soft potato should be removed, with sprouts or decomposition signs, to prevent the problem from spreading to the rest.
With this simple care, it is possible to conserve potatoes for several weeks, reducing food waste and ensuring that they remain their own for consumption and to make various recipes.
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