Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Veronica Sparks
When it comes to harvesting and storing potatoes, timing and technique are crucial to ensure that your potato haul lasts well into the winter months. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to the practice of growing food, understanding the proper methods for harvesting and storing potatoes can make all the difference between a bountiful supply and a disappointing spoilage.
Let’s explore the best practices for harvesting your potatoes at the right time, curing them for storage, and keeping them fresh for as long as possible.
When and How to Harvest Potatoes
If you’re growing potatoes, the first step in making your potato haul last is knowing when and how to harvest them. Potatoes are typically ready for harvest when the foliage begins to yellow and die back. This usually occurs about 10 to 12 weeks after planting for early varieties and 20 weeks for main crop types.
It’s important to allow the plants to die back naturally, as this helps toughen the skins of the potatoes, making them more resistant to damage during harvesting and storage.
To harvest, gently dig around the base of the plants with a garden fork or spade, being careful not to puncture the potatoes. Lift the potatoes out of the soil and brush off any excess dirt—do not wash them, as moisture can encourage rot.
Choose a dry, overcast day for harvesting, as potatoes exposed to direct sunlight can develop green patches, which contain solanine, a toxic substance.
Related Article: How to Grow Potatoes: A Comprehensive Guide
What’s the Best Way to Store Fresh Potatoes?
Once your potatoes are harvested, proper storage is key to extending their shelf life. The best way to store fresh potatoes is in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. Ideally, the storage area should maintain a temperature between 45°F and 50°F (7°C to 10°C). Storing potatoes at this temperature slows down the sprouting process and helps preserve their natural moisture content.
Avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can convert the starches into sugars, altering their flavor and texture. Instead, place them in a burlap sack, a wooden crate, or a cardboard box with some ventilation holes.
It’s also wise to keep potatoes away from onions, as the gases emitted by onions can cause potatoes to spoil more quickly.
How to Keep Potatoes from Sprouting
Sprouting is one of the most common issues when storing potatoes long-term. To keep potatoes from sprouting, it’s important to store them in a dark, cool place, as light and warmth are the main triggers for sprouting. However, there are additional methods you can use to further prevent sprouting.
One popular method is to store potatoes with a few apples. Apples release ethylene gas, which can inhibit sprouting. However, be mindful not to store too many apples with your potatoes, as excess ethylene can cause them to spoil faster.
Another option is to treat the potatoes with a commercial sprout inhibitor, which can be found at garden supply stores. These inhibitors are usually applied as a powder or spray and can effectively prevent sprouting for several months.
How Long Do Fresh Potatoes Last?
The shelf life of fresh potatoes depends largely on how well they were stored. When kept in optimal conditions, fresh potatoes can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. New potatoes, which are harvested earlier and have thinner skins, tend to have a shorter shelf life of about two to three weeks. On the other hand, mature, fully cured potatoes can last up to six months when stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment.
It’s essential to regularly check your stored potatoes for signs of spoilage. Remove any that show signs of soft spots, mold, or sprouting, as these can quickly affect the rest of your stored potatoes.
How to Cure Potatoes for Long-Term Storage
Curing is a crucial step in preparing your potatoes for long-term storage. The process involves allowing the freshly harvested potatoes to heal any minor cuts and toughen their skins, which helps prevent moisture loss and decay during storage.
To cure potatoes, spread them out in a single layer in a dark, well-ventilated area with a temperature of around 60°F to 65°F (15°C to 18°C) and a high humidity level (85% to 95%). Let them cure for about one to two weeks. During this time, the skins will thicken, and any nicks or bruises will heal, making the potatoes more durable for storage.
After curing, move the potatoes to a cooler storage location, such as a basement or root cellar, where they can be kept for several months.
Preservation Methods for Potatoes
If you want to make your potato haul last even longer, consider using additional preservation methods.
Dehydrating
One popular method is dehydrating. Dehydrated potatoes can be stored for years, especially if stored in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. They’re easy to rehydrate for use in soups, stews, or mashed potatoes.
To dehydrate potatoes, peel and slice them into thin rounds, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then spread them out on a dehydrator tray. Dry them at a low temperature until they are crisp and moisture-free. You can also dehydrate mashed potatoes as long as you don’t use any dairy products when preparing them.
Freezing
Freezing is another option, though it requires a bit more preparation. You’ll need to blanch potatoes before freezing to prevent them from becoming mushy. Once blanched, allow them to cool, then pack them into airtight containers or freezer bags.
Canning
Finally, you can also preserve potatoes by canning them. Pressure canning is necessary for potatoes due to their low acidity. Canned potatoes are convenient and you can use them directly in various recipes without the need for further cooking.
Related Article: Best Pressure Canners on Amazon
Harvesting and Storing Potatoes for Long-Lasting Goodness!
It’s essential to harvest and store potatoes properly to make your potato haul last. Whether you’re new to growing food or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help you keep your potatoes fresh and delicious for months to come. Embrace the process, and savor the satisfaction of eating potatoes you’ve nurtured from the ground up.