Nightshade vegetables include potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. While cooked potatoes do well in the freezer, raw potatoes do not, so it's best to cook them before freezing. They also offer these 7 health and nutrition benefits. Since potatoes are grown underground, they often have dirt on their skins. Fresh and healthy potatoes last the longest, so look for firm smooth ones without any blemishes or sprouts. Store potatoes away from ripening produce, especially bananas, tomatoes and onions, since the ethylene gas they release can make the potatoes sprout more quickly. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Food poisoning can cause unpleasant symptoms ranging from nausea to vomiting. Raw potatoes that have been cut should be stored in a bowl of cold water and refrigerated. Therefore, don’t store potatoes near ripening fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, apples, onions and tomatoes, as they release relatively large amounts of ethylene (18). Potatoes are types of starchy root vegetables called tubers. The cooling process increases the formation of resistant starch, which has a smaller impact on blood sugar levels and promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria. This temperature range is slightly warmer than refrigeration and can be found in cool cellars, basements, garages or sheds. Wait until you are ready to use them, then rinse and scrub them with a vegetable brush to remove any remaining dirt. Allrecipes is part of the Meredith Food Group. Resistant starches are starch molecules that resist digestion, functioning kind of like fiber. Very low temperatures can cause “cold-induced sweetening.” This happens when some of the starch is converted to reducing sugars (10). When exposed to freezing temperatures, the water inside potatoes expands and forms crystals that break down the cell wall structures. Regardless of storage method, potatoes will last longer if they are fresh and healthy when purchased, so look for firm, smooth, blemish-free tubers with no signs of sprouting. Having high blood sugar levels is an incredibly common problem. This article reviews the best storage techniques and includes tips for selecting the freshest potatoes. Store uncooked potatoes in a cool, dark place with plenty of air circulation — not in the refrigerator. Storage temperature has a significant impact on how long potatoes will last. However, the National Capital Poison Center suggests tossing potatoes that have turned green or grown sprouts, to protect against any risk of potential toxicity. A basket, bowl, or paper bag is better than a plastic bag. 7 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Potatoes, Potatoes 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects. This means their quality is beginning to deteriorate, but you don't necessarily have to throw them out just yet. Cooked potatoes will last for several days in the refrigerator. These 9 high-risk foods are the most likely to cause food poisoning. This helps extend their storage life. Sunlight or fluorescent light can cause potato skins to produce chlorophyll and turn an undesirable green color (1). Store in airtight containers to preserve quality and defrost overnight in the refrigerator before using. Curing involves storing at moderately high temperatures, typically around 65°F ( 18°C), and 85–95% humidity levels for two weeks. Washing with a salt or vinegar solution can help remove more pesticide residue than water alone. Most people purchase potatoes from their local market, but if you grow your own, “curing” before storing will extend their shelf life. This results in a better texture than defrosting in a microwave (29). And learn how to tell if they've gone bad. However, leftovers may become watery or gummy, since potato starches change shape and release water as they cool (22).