Rogue potatoes?!
Thanks in advance for any help!
Answers: My potatoes refuse to cooperate. They keep sprouting or turning green. What can I do to make them behave? Also, I have heard that green potatoes are poisonous...it this true?
Thanks in advance for any help!
The first thing to remember about a potato is it's a living and breathing organism. Thus if you warm it up it will grow. If you seal it in a plastic bag it will suffocate. If they are diseased they will spoil. If its kept too cold it will freeze, and if its in too much light it will green up. They should be kept in a cool dry area, away from light. A cellar is ideal. On the farm we store the potatoes in computer temperature and humidity controlled cellars with air circulating though the potatoes. Thus we can store the potatoes for long periods.
Before storing spuds, look them over and use any bruised, cut or damaged ones first. Since dampness can cause decay, it is best not to wash spuds before storing. Store potatoes in a cool, dark and well ventilated place. They will keep about a one to two weeks at room temperature and for several weeks at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. New potatoes (fresh from harvest) will always store longer. Potatoes that are purchased frozed have been to a quick-vacuum partial dehydration and instant freezing. Potatoes that are frost-bitten are watery and have a black ring under the skin when cut in cross sections.
However, refrigerator temperatures are too low, which converts the potato's starch into sugar, resulting in a sweet taste. The extra sugar also causes potatoes to darken prematurely while frying. (This process can sometimes be reversed by storing the potatoes at room temperature for a week to 10 days.) Also once a potato has been kept too cold, the mealliness can never be returned to it. If potatoes have green patches, cut them off, as they have been exposed too long to direct lighting and will have a faintly bitter taste. The rest of the potato will taste fine.
If you put an apple in with potatoes it will stop them from sprouting. Don't know how, but it works =]
If they're sprouting, they are too old. How long have you had them. Buy a good quality potato, like Yukon Gold or Ida Reds. Keep them in a cool dark place and you shouldn't have any trouble.
keep in them in a cool, dark, dry place. i had your same problem when i moved into my new place and now i have to keep the potatoes in the fridge - only solution!
the green parts on the skin are meant to be poisonous, but i just peel all the green part away.
keep them in the dark.and yes they are poisonous when green
Most kitchen stores (or eBay) sell special bags to keep potatoes and onions in, so that they don't "sprout" , and will keep longer in the pantry ... You could just search "potato bag" on eBay. (They should be kept in a dark, cool place where a little air is allowed to circulate around them)
Don't buy more potatoes than you will use in a couple weeks--storage time affects quality--keep them cool & dark, but refrigerating can also change potatoes. The green coloration you sometimes find under the skins is a reflection of the starches turning to sugars.. They are safe to eat, but I always peel all the green off..