8 tips to prevent potatoes from sprouting

Whatever the season, but even more so in winter, the potato is one of the basic ingredients of our cuisine. Satiating and which can be cooked in many forms, this starchy food is appreciated by young and old alike. The catch is that potatoes don’t keep forever. Over time, germs eventually appear and we hesitate to consume them. However, if they have sprouted little and the potatoes are still firm, you can eat them without any risk to your health.

By the way, why do potatoes germinate? First of all, you should know that their germination is a completely natural phenomenon. Three criteria are taken into account to promote the appearance of sprouts on potatoes: heat, humidity and light. In addition, you should know that germination, which is inevitable or almost, is rather a good sign. This means that your potatoes are either organic or have not received an anti-germination treatment, a often chemical inhibitor.

1. Store your potatoes well

To avoid promoting the natural germination of potatoes, it is advisable to store them in a dark, dry and temperate place. Like a (healthy) cellar or a storeroom for example. And it’s even better if there is a little draft.

2. Sort out your potatoes

If, upon purchase, some sprouts are already visible, separate these potatoes from those still devoid of any germination. It is necessary to identify the damaged and green root vegetables which must be stored separately and eaten as a priority because they are the ones that will keep the shortest time.

3. Clean your potatoes

If your vegetables have retained soil on the surface, do not hesitate to clean them with a small brush, this will avoid promoting germination.

4. Choose the right container to keep them

To store them, absolutely forget any airtight box or even closed plastic bag. It is essential that the air circulates as much as possible. So prefer a basket, a crate or an unclosed wooden crate. A metal kitchen trolley can also do the trick.

5. Slide an apple in the middle of your potatoes

No witchcraft here, just a scientific phenomenon: by putting a classic apple (of your choice) right in the middle of your potato rack, you limit the speed of germination. Indeed the apple-fruit gives off a gas called ethylene. This acts as a natural inhibitor to germination and will extend their lifespan by a few weeks.

6. Think about charcoal

An alternative to apples, charcoal is another natural sprout inhibitor. Just sprinkle your potatoes with charcoal to slow the phenomenon down.

7. Equip yourself with an anti-germination bag

A simple jute bag allows better preservation of fruits and vegetables, including potatoes. It ensures to keep your food in the dark but while ensuring good ventilation. It will then be necessary to ensure that the storage place is not humid or overheated.

Set of 3 burlap bags – Gardenix

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8. Opt for germ-free diffuser sachets

Rest assured, the principle is natural. In these anti-germ sachets, we find in particular the essential oil of spearmint. One sachet guarantees 2 months of protection for 6 kg of potatoes.

Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes?

The answer is: it depends. You must first know that, unless you consume germs in large quantities, there is no real risk of toxicity. You can therefore eat them, taking care to remove the stems that have grown on the potato. This avoids consuming too much of a toxin, solanine, which is harmful to health when consumed in high doses. However, we should avoid consuming sprouted AND soft potatoes.