Did you know that storing potatoes in plastic bags makes them go bad quicker - or am I the only one who didn't get that edition of good housekeeping??

[imaginewittynamehere]

Heard on the radio the other day (from some potato expert - radio 4 not soe obscure gardening one!!) that keeping potatoes in the plastic bag they come in stops oxygen getting to them & starts the rotting process. Ideally they are stored in something breathable but just tearing a small hole in the plastic straightaway also has a beneficial effect. Tried this over the last few days & potatoes are now much better.

PS if you have any other storage techniques I am all ears

They need to be stored in the dark, it stops them going green.

Yes I know that one - if I've bought plastic bagged potatoes I always tip them out into the veg rack as soon as I get home

Only tip I've got is for keeping celery fresh for AGES. You know even if you put it in the fridge it goes all soft. well before you put it in, wrap it in tin foil, it stays nice and crunchy for WEEKS (don't know about months as I've usually used it by then )

You have to poke holes in the bag, then they are ok. Plus if you tip them onto kitchen towl in the fridge they keep better.

I find even tearing a hole isn't enough... I tip them all out into a basket so the air can get to them all!

Oooh didn't know that about celery! My Mum always keeps hers in a jug of water, and swears by that. Never worked for me though!

At least open the bag so veg gets air.

Spuds keep better in the dark. Dark cupboard like nortynamechanger.

Must be up to no good somewhere else.

I got the tip from a Menu Mailer, that I found out about from the FLYlady - was a tip on the bottom of one of the recipes (which included celery).

I was skeptical - but next time I bought some I discarded the plastic, wrapped it in tin foil and was rather surprised that it worked

I bought a potato bag from Bettawares (£4.99 and holds up to 5kg) and now my potatoes don't sprout!

I put mine in an old pillow case and in a dark cupboard. Keep for ages.

cornsilk great idea and very thrifty

I have them in the dark - at least that much has rubbed off on me.. liking the pillowcase idea though cornsilk

You see I need a 2 box/bag system so I use tho oldones before the new ones - 2 pillowcases micht work..

Keep potatoes in a cool dark place without plastic wrappings. Put an apple in amongst them to keep them from sprouting.

How does the apple thing work, moon? Didn't know that!

Yes, I knew.
I also know now that when you put potatoes in the freezer and icecream in the veg rack they both go bad very quickly!

They need cold and dark environment, in afabric bag, or a wooden crate semi covered by a cotton like rough fabric, such as old fashioned post bags.