what is the best way to store potatoes?

[virgiltracey]

I keep throwing away half bags because they only seem to last a few days without sprouting or going soft!

In the bottom of the fridge. In my fridge, I have a pull out drawer for veg and chilled meats and so I store my pots in there. They have never sprouted, gone off and keep for months.

I never understood why my mum said always put them in a dark cupboard as opposed to the fridge?

I used to store them in the fridge until I read that keeping them in there increases the levels of carcinogens in them.

i bought one of these Not as effective as keeping them in the fridge, but an improvement...

Never the fridge. It creates sugars or something like that anyway! Just snap off the chits and eat, unless they're green they're fine. Dark, dry cupboard or the garage is best.

Oh really? Carcinogenic - blimey - no wonder nobody else I know keeps them in the fridge. Will be conducting some research then...

In dark cupboard in a pillow case. Never in plastic bag as they go off.

Hold on, I remember reading something very convincing about a year ago.

i've now just googled and can't find anything

I may be talking bolleaux!

I think it works. But essentially it's a dark bag in a dark cupboard.

So if you've arlready got a dark bag....

Yep - have just checked out FSA website (searched for 'potatoes in fridge') and it says that storing in them in the fridge could cause them to make more sugars, which in turn, increases the amount of acrylamide in them. Boiling and microwaving is fine, it says, but it's roast, chipped, jackets and crisps thats the prob. Right - under the stairs in a bag they go!

Mary no paper bag. Cotton one, get an old pillow case.

pillow case? That's a great idea.

It wasn't mine, it was my mum's idea

Oooo I keep mine in the fridge without problem, but I live in warmer climes and they go off very fast out of the fridge.

Maryz I also buy whopping bags as they are stupidly priced here. I use half the bag immediately and make a giant mash and some dauphinois and freeze them in suitable portions. Come up lovely they do with an extra knob of butter whisked in or warm through in the oven....

I keep mine in the fridge, but I've heard about keeping them in a dark bag in the cupboard. Haven't tried that one!

Well I will continue to keep mine in the fridge as I have no other options!

Mash freezes well, just make as usual, freeze in portions and then once defrosted, warm through in m/wave or on v. low heat, then use electric whisk to whisk in some more butter.

Pomme dauphinoise tis correct spelling (I forgot the e). The real mccoy is just potatoes, cream really. I cut a garlic clove in half, wipe round the dish and then butter dish. Thinly slice potatoes and layer, seasoning each layer as you go. Make up mix half milk/half cream (trying to pretend I don't use lots of butter here), then pour slowly on. Tap dish a couple of times on surface - so it filters through. Want it to be just very just covering tops. Dot with butter and grate nutmeg over. Cook. I tend to do this in a tray bake sort of thing then once it's cooked and cooled I cut it into poncy restaurant like portions and freeze in layers between g/proof paper. Remove from freezer about an hour before use then reheat in oven for about 15 mins at about 180°.

Also - cook potatoes in their skins then they just peel off nicely before you mash....

Carrots - do you store those in the fridge? Have tried storing them in the larder which has come with the new house but they end up spongy very quickly although the potatoes do fine. I thought carrots would last for ages stored - what am I doing wrong.

Will start making the pomme dauphonise for the freezer. thanks for that

I keep carrots and potatoes in the fridge along with all my other veg.

Tip from a friends hubby's who used to work in a fruit and veg shop.

I keep carrots in the fridge

Potatoes I keep in an old shoe box in a cupboard - they are fine. Not that you need an excuse to buy new shoes (or boots as a bigger box!)

I store carrots in the fridge. If bits of any get a bit soft I just cut the soft bit out otherwise they all go quickly. I store everything in the fridge apart from tomatoes, onions and garlic.