Potatoes are one of those kitchen essentials you always want on hand—until you reach for them and find a bag full of green, sprouting tubers. I used to think it was just bad luck or buying them too early, but my grandmother swore by a trick that keeps potatoes fresh for weeks longer. And after trying it myself, I can confirm: it works.
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Why Potatoes Sprout in the First Place
Sprouting happens when potatoes are exposed to light, warmth, or moisture. These conditions signal to the potato that it’s time to grow, even if it’s sitting in your pantry. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while small sprouts can be removed before cooking, potatoes past their prime lose nutrients and can develop a bitter taste.
The Simple, Foolproof Storage Trick
My grandmother’s advice was surprisingly simple: store potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place—never in the fridge. Cold temperatures can turn the starches into sugar, changing their flavor and texture. Instead, she kept hers in a paper bag or a basket lined with newspaper in the pantry.
But here’s the magic part—she always slipped an apple into the bag. Apples release ethylene gas, which slows down the sprouting process in potatoes. This tiny step often kept her potatoes fresh for over a month.
What to Avoid
She was also strict about what not to do. Never wash potatoes before storing them—moisture encourages rot. And never store them next to onions, which can make them sprout faster.
Tested and Approved
I’ve been following her method for over a year now, and it has saved me from countless last-minute grocery runs. Friends who’ve tried it say it works just as well for sweet potatoes. It’s one of those old-fashioned kitchen tips that stands the test of time.
If you want your potatoes to last longer and taste their best, take a page from my grandma’s playbook: keep them cool, keep them dry, and give them an apple for company.
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