Clever storage trick using fruit could stop your potatoes from sprouting
05.04.2024 - 17:43
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
A nifty storage hack involving fruit could be the answer to keeping your spuds fresh and sprout-free.
Potatoes that have green spots or sprouts can contain toxins, leading many to bin them if these areas can't be cut out.
The general rule of thumb is to keep tatties away from moisture and sunlight to prevent them from going wrinkly, reports the Express.
They need plenty of air circulation and will last longer when stored in a dry, dark container like an open basket.
A video posted by Leen (@leen. bd) on TikTok suggests that storing potatoes with an apple can stop them from sprouting. It's thought that apples can delay sprout growth and extend the shelf-life of potatoes due to the gases they emit.
The secret lies in the ethylene gas, a substance naturally produced by apples that plays a key role in their ripening process.
Research published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology has shown that ethylene slows down carbohydrate metabolism and increases the respiration rate of potatoes, thereby extending their freshness. However, this trick only works for potatoes.
Storing apples with other fruits can actually speed up their ripening process, often causing them to go off before they can be eaten.
This has sparked heated discussions about the benefits of ethylene gas for food storage.
Fans have been heaping praise on the content creator's tip in the comments section, with one enthusiast declaring: "Known since about one year. Changed my life! It works! ".
If you're faced with sprouted potatoes in your pantry, you might be questioning their edibility.
Despite their less-than-appealing appearance, sprouting can actually signal the potential for new potato growth. However, it's worth noting that most potatoes purchased from shops