| Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 1-2 Weeks | 3-4 Weeks | 12 Months |
| Cooked | - | 3-5 Days | 12 Months |
| Frozen | - | - | 12 Months |
The Shelf Life of Potatoes:
The shelf life of potatoes depends upon various factors such as the quality and type of potato and the humidity of climate as well. Potatoes stay fresh in the pantry for about 1-2 weeks. The potatoes in the refrigerator last for an extended period of 2-3 months.
Red and new potatoes remain fresh in the pantry for 3-5 weeks whereas in the fridge for 3-4 months. Sweet potatoes stay fresh in the pantry for 3-5 weeks and in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. The shelf life of cooked potatoes in the refrigerator is about 5-7 days, and in the freezer, they last for 6-8 months.
Purchasing Potatoes:
It’s important you buy good quality potatoes so that you can prevent foodborne diseases. To purchase fresh potatoes, you should keep following tips in your mind.
- Avoid potatoes which have discoloration as they are not good in taste and for health as well.
- Don’t buy potatoes which grow mold.
- Don’t purchase potatoes which are soft when you hold them in your hand.
- For baking and roasting brown potatoes are best.
- Avoid all those potatoes which have green spots on them.
Storage Of Potatoes:
Potatoes should be kept in cold dark places. If you want to store potatoes for an extended period, then store them under the temperature of 45 to 50 Fahrenheit. If you store them in high-temperature sprouts will appear. You can refrigerate raw potatoes, but the disadvantage is that they give a sweet taste. Furthermore, after peeling off their skin, they turn to dark color at a faster pace.
To store cooked potatoes in the fridge, you have to cover the dish or bowl adequately. Make sure the plate is covered otherwise they will absorb the fragrance of other food items.
Handling Potatoes:
Always wash them before cooking as they contain so many dust particles. It also helps to avoid foodborne diseases. Always try to cook potatoes in stainless steel. The disadvantage of cooking potatoes in aluminum covering is that it leads towards the discoloration.
To thaw frozen potatoes, you should put the packet in the fridge for overnight. It will help you to cook them in the morning.
Another way is that you can put the pack of frozen potatoes in lukewarm water. Furthermore, to thaw frozen potatoes, you can microwave them. All you have to do is just place the dish in the microwave for five minutes.
Cooking Potatoes:
There are different ways to prepare potatoes. You can bake, boil, steam, and even you can roast them. Potato is the favorite food item for children. Moreover, you can feed mashed potatoes to toddlers. Potato has the versatility as it fits into many dishes. Most of the people peel off their skin, but you can use potatoes with skin as well.
Some familiar dishes of potatoes are crisp sandwiches, baked potatoes, roast, and last but not least, smoked mashed potatoes.