How to Store Potatoes for Months: The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Sprouts

If you’ve ever searched for the best way to keep potatoes fresh, you’re not alone. Knowing how to store potatoes can make a big difference in how long they last, how they taste, and how safely you can use them. Potatoes seem simple, but they’re surprisingly sensitive to light, temperature, and moisture — and the wrong conditions can make them sprout, soften, or even become unsafe to eat.

Whether you buy potatoes in bulk, cook with them often, or just want them to last longer, storing them properly is easier than you might think. With the right techniques, you can keep potatoes firm, flavorful, and ready to use for weeks or even months.

How to Store Potatoes?

Storing potatoes correctly helps keep them firm, flavorful, and safe to eat. Whether you’re keeping them for a week or several months, the key is managing temperature, light, and moisture. Here’s exactly how to store potatoes for the best results.

1. Choose the Right Storage Location

Potatoes last longest in a place that is:

• Cool (45–55°F / 7–13°C)
  
• Dark
  
• Dry
  
• Well-ventilated
  

Ideal spots include:

• A pantry or cupboard
  
• A basement
  
• A garage (in cool climates)
  
• A root cellar
  

Avoid storing potatoes near ovens, dishwashers, or heaters — they spoil faster in warm environments.

2. Keep Potatoes Out of the Fridge

Refrigeration is one of the most common mistakes. Cold temperatures convert potato starches into sugar, making them:

• Extra sweet
  
• Discolored when cooked
  
• More likely to burn when fried
  

Only refrigerate potatoes if they are already cooked.

3. Store Potatoes in Breathable Containers

Potatoes need airflow to stay fresh. Use:

• A paper bag
  
• A cardboard box
  
• A mesh or burlap sack
  
• A ventilated basket
  

Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture and make potatoes rot quickly.

4. Keep Potatoes Away From Light

Light causes potatoes to turn green and produce solanine, a bitter compound that can be unsafe in large amounts.
If you spot green areas, cut them off before cooking.

5. Don’t Wash Before Storing

Moisture speeds up spoilage. Store potatoes unwashed, and only rinse them right before cooking.

6. Separate Them From Onions

Never store potatoes and onions together. Both release gases that cause the other to ripen and spoil much faster.

7. Remove Bad Potatoes Immediately

Check your potatoes regularly and remove any that are:

• Soft
  
• Squishy
  
• Moldy
  
• Wet
  
• Strong-smelling
  

One spoiled potato can quickly ruin the rest.

8. For Long-Term Storage: Cure First (Optional)

If you’re storing a large harvest:

• Leave potatoes in a dark, well-ventilated place at 60–65°F (15–18°C) for 1–2 weeks.
  This thickens their skins and helps them last longer.
  

9. Prevent Sprouting

Potatoes sprout when exposed to warmth or light. To reduce sprouting:

• Keep them cool
  
• Store them in complete darkness
  
• Choose thicker-skinned varieties like Russets for longer storage
  

If sprouts appear, remove them before cooking — but discard the potato if it’s heavily sprouted or shriveled.

10. Know When Potatoes Are No Longer Safe

Throw potatoes away if they are:

• Mushy
  
• Moldy
  
• Smelly
  
• Extremely green
  
• Leaking liquid
  
• Bitter after cooking

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Why You Should Store Potatoes in a Cardboard Box?

A simple cardboard box is one of the best storage containers for potatoes — and it’s not just because it’s cheap and easy to find. Cardboard creates the ideal environment to keep potatoes fresh longer by controlling light, humidity, and airflow.

1. Cardboard Blocks Light

Potatoes exposed to light turn green and produce solanine, a bitter compound that can be unsafe in large amounts.
A cardboard box keeps potatoes in complete darkness, preventing greening and sprouting.

2. It Allows Excellent Airflow

Potatoes need ventilation. Without airflow, moisture gets trapped, and potatoes rot faster.
Cardboard naturally “breathes,” allowing moisture to escape while preventing condensation.

This helps:

• Reduce mold
  
• Prevent rot
  
• Keep potatoes dry and firm
  

3. It Absorbs Excess Moisture

Cardboard absorbs humidity from the surrounding air.
Since potatoes spoil quickly in damp environments, this small detail makes a big difference in how long they stay fresh.

4. It Protects Potatoes From Temperature Changes

Cardboard offers mild insulation, helping shield potatoes from:

• Warm drafts
  
• Kitchen heat
  
• Fluctuating temperatures
  

Temperature stability prevents sprouting and softening.

5. It’s Easy to Organize and Check

A cardboard box makes it simple to:

• Spread out potatoes
  
• Check for spoiled ones
  
• Keep them in a dark, cool corner
  

You can even punch a few small holes in the sides for even better ventilation.

6. It Prevents Potatoes From Touching Directly

Stacking potatoes tightly in plastic bags creates pressure points where rot spreads quickly.
A cardboard box gives them space, helping prevent “one bad potato” from ruining the rest.

7. It’s Cheap, Available, and Eco-Friendly

No special container needed — just reuse a box you already have.
It’s biodegradable, recyclable, and perfect for long-term or short-term potato storage.

Choosing Potatoes to Test

Before you experiment with storage methods or compare how potatoes behave in different environments, it’s important to start with the right potatoes. The quality of the potato at the beginning will directly affect your results — and choosing poorly can give you misleading conclusions.

1. Pick Fresh, Firm Potatoes

Choose potatoes that:

• Feel solid and heavy
  
• Have smooth, unwrinkled skin
  
• Show no signs of soft spots, cuts, or bruising
  

Starting with firm potatoes ensures that any changes you see come from the storage conditions, not from pre-existing damage.

2. Avoid Sprouted or Green Potatoes

Sprouted potatoes are already aging, and green patches indicate exposure to light and solanine buildup.
These potatoes will spoil faster and won’t give accurate comparisons when testing storage.

3. Choose Potatoes of Similar Size

Potato size affects:

• Moisture retention
  
• How quickly they soften
  
• How fast they sprout
  

For fair testing, select potatoes that are close in size and weight so they break down at similar rates.

4. Use the Same Variety

Different types of potatoes behave very differently in storage. For reliable results, pick one variety, such as:

• Russet
  
• Yukon Gold
  
• Red potatoes
  
• White potatoes
  

Mixing varieties will give inconsistent data because each has a different skin thickness, moisture level, and storage lifespan.

5. Check for Moisture or Mold

Avoid potatoes that look:

• Damp
  
• Moldy
  
• Slimy
  Moisture problems accelerate spoilage and can affect the whole batch.
  

6. Choose Unwashed Potatoes

Potatoes with their natural, dusty coating last longer. Washed potatoes spoil more quickly due to higher moisture exposure.

7. Consider Where the Potatoes Came From

Store-bought potatoes may have been exposed to:

• Bright lights
  
• Varying temperatures
  
• Long storage times
  

Farm-fresh or farmers’ market potatoes are often better for testing because they haven’t already experienced inconsistent conditions.

Finding the Best Container for Storing Potatoes

Choosing the right container is one of the most important steps in keeping potatoes fresh. The wrong container traps moisture, blocks airflow, or exposes potatoes to light — all of which speed up sprouting and spoilage. The best storage containers strike the perfect balance between airflow, darkness, and dryness.

1. Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard is one of the best containers for potato storage because it:

• Blocks light
  
• Allows airflow
  
• Absorbs excess moisture
  
• Keeps potatoes cool and dry
  

This makes it ideal for both short-term and long-term storage.

2. Mesh or Burlap Bags

These bags are breathable and prevent condensation, helping potatoes stay firm and dry.
Mesh bags are great for:

• Pantry storage
  
• Cool basements
  
• Root cellars
  

Avoid using them in bright areas, as they don’t block light.

3. Paper Bags

If you have a small number of potatoes, paper bags work surprisingly well. They:

• Stop light exposure
  
• Allow gentle airflow
  
• Prevent moisture buildup
  

They’re also easy to label and store on shelves.

4. Ventilated Plastic Bins

Plastic can be a good option only when it has holes or vents.
Without ventilation, plastic traps moisture and leads to fast spoilage.
Choose bins with:

• Side vents
  
• Bottom perforations
  
• A loose-fitting lid
  

This setup encourages airflow while offering some protection from light.

5. Wicker Baskets

Wicker baskets naturally allow air circulation and can work well if you keep them in a dark pantry.
They’re attractive, but they don’t block light — so location matters.

6. Root Vegetable Storage Bins

Specialty potato or root vegetable bins provide:

• Built-in ventilation
  
• Drawer-style access
  
• Darkness
  
• Organized storage
  

These are great for people who store potatoes in bulk.

7. What NOT to Use

These containers cause potatoes to spoil faster:

• Plastic bags (trap moisture)
  
• Tightly sealed containers (no airflow)
  
• Clear bins exposed to light
  
• Refrigerators (too cold; turns starches to sugar)
  

Bottom Line

The best potato containers are breathable, dark, and moisture-absorbing.
Cardboard boxes, mesh bags, and ventilated bins consistently keep potatoes fresher for longer and prevent sprouting, molding, and softening.

Storing Potatoes Alongside Onions

One of the most common kitchen mistakes is storing potatoes and onions together. It seems convenient — they’re both pantry staples — but placing them side by side can actually make both spoil much faster. Understanding why this happens can help you keep your vegetables fresh longer.

1. Onions Release Gases That Speed Up Sprouting

Onions naturally emit ethylene gas, a compound that accelerates ripening in many fruits and vegetables.
Potatoes are extremely sensitive to ethylene, and when they absorb it, they:

• Sprout faster
  
• Soften sooner
  
• Lose flavor
  
• Break down weeks earlier than they should
  

2. Potatoes Give Off Moisture That Affects Onions

Potatoes release small amounts of moisture during storage.
This extra humidity can cause onions to:

• Mold
  
• Rot
  
• Turn mushy
  
• Develop a sour smell
  

The combination of gases + moisture creates the perfect environment for spoilage.

3. Both Need Airflow — But Separately

Even though onions and potatoes both prefer:

• Cool temperatures
  
• Darkness
  
• Ventilation
  

They shouldn’t share the same space or container. Their different respiration patterns cause each other to degrade more quickly.

4. How Far Apart Should They Be?

For best results:

• Store potatoes and onions at least several feet apart
  
• Use separate containers (cardboard for potatoes, mesh for onions)
  
• Keep onions in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location
  
• Keep potatoes in a dark, slightly cooler environment
  

5. What Happens If You Store Them Together?

If stored in the same bag or box, you’ll notice:

• Potatoes sprouting early
  
• Potatoes softening or wrinkling
  
• Onions turning damp or moldy
  
• Shorter shelf life for both
  

Bottom Line

Potatoes and onions get along great in recipes, but not in storage. Keep them separated to extend their freshness, prevent sprouting, and reduce waste. A little distance in the pantry goes a long way in keeping both ingredients at their best.

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• The 5-Minute Morning Fix: Simple and quick healthy lunch box ideas for busy parents and professionals.

FAQ

Should potatoes be stored in the fridge?

No. Refrigeration turns potato starch into sugar, which affects flavor, texture, and cooking results. Only store cooked potatoes in the fridge — never raw ones.

How long do potatoes last in storage?

It depends on the conditions:

• Pantry: 2–4 weeks
  
• Cool, dark cellar: 2–3 months
  
• Warm kitchens: 1–2 weeks
  Thicker-skinned varieties (like Russets) last the longest.
  

Why do potatoes sprout?

Sprouting happens when potatoes are exposed to warmth or light. Improper storage — especially near onions — speeds up sprouting. Keeping them cool and in darkness slows it down.

Are sprouted potatoes safe to eat?

Sprouted potatoes can be eaten only if they are still firm and the sprouts are removed before cooking. If the potato is soft, wrinkled, or heavily sprouted, discard it.

Why do potatoes turn green?

Exposure to light triggers chlorophyll production and an increase in solanine, a bitter compound that can be harmful in large amounts. Cut away green areas or discard if the greening is extensive.

Can I store potatoes in plastic bags?

Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture and cause rot. Use breathable containers like cardboard boxes, mesh bags, or paper bags.

What’s the ideal temperature for storing potatoes?

The best range is 45–55°F (7–13°C). Too warm → sprouting. Too cold → starch turns to sugar.

Is washing potatoes before storing okay?

No. Washing adds moisture, which leads to mold and early spoilage. Wash only before cooking.

Can potatoes be stored with apples?

Apples emit ethylene gas, similar to onions, and can accelerate potato sprouting. It’s best to store them separately.

Do different potato varieties store differently?

Yes.

• Russet: longest storage
  
• Yukon Gold: medium storage
  
• Red & white potatoes: shorter storage
  Varieties with thinner skin spoil faster.
  

Conclusion

Storing potatoes properly isn’t complicated, but a few smart habits make all the difference in how long they stay fresh, firm, and safe to eat. 

By keeping them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space — and choosing containers like cardboard boxes or mesh bags — you can dramatically extend their shelf life and reduce waste. Small choices, such as keeping potatoes away from onions and avoiding the fridge, help prevent sprouting, softening, and spoilage.

Whether you’re storing a small bag for the week or managing a long-term winter supply, understanding how temperature, moisture, and light affect potatoes gives you the confidence to keep them at their best. With the right storage setup, your potatoes will stay flavorful, ready to cook, and reliably long-lasting.