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Planning to make potatoes tonight with dinner? Yum! But what’s that smell? And why do the potatoes look so… wrinkled? Discerning a spoiled potato from a potato that’s good to eat can be a little tough, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s why in this article, we’ll give you all the signs to watch for to tell if a raw or cooked potato is bad. We’ll also share handy tips about eating sprouted or green potatoes, as well as how long you can keep potatoes in the fridge or freezer.
This article is based on an interview with our plant and gardening specialist, Olivia Choong, owner of The Tender Gardener. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- To tell if a raw potato is bad, look for a soft texture, wrinkled skin, or a bad smell.
- To tell if cooked potatoes are bad, check for a strong foul odor or visible mold.
- If your potato has sprouted, you can still eat it. Just cut the sprouts off and you’re good to go.
- You can eat green potatoes if they’re only slightly green. If they are very green or the entire potato is green-colored, throw the potatoes out.
Steps
Section 6 of 7:
How to Store Raw Potatoes
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Keep whole, raw potatoes in a breathable bag. Go for a basket, a crate, or a paper bag to make sure the potatoes have enough air flow. Stay away from anything airtight, as that will make your potatoes go bad much faster. [12] X Research source
- If you’re storing raw cut potatoes, keep them in a bowl of cold water and put them in the fridge. Use your potatoes within 24 hours.
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Store potatoes in a cool, dry place. Pick a spot that stays around 50 °F (10 °C). Your pantry, basement, or cellar are all great options for storing raw potatoes . [13] X Research source Don’t store raw potatoes in the fridge, as the cold temperatures can alter the flavor of the potatoes, making them sweeter.
- Avoid storing your potatoes near onions or apples. Onions and apples emit ethylene gas, which can make a potato sprout faster.
- Don’t wash your potatoes before you store them, either. The excess moisture can make your potatoes go bad faster.
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Eat whole, raw potatoes within 2 months. Most raw potatoes will stay good for about 8 weeks—after that, you may notice sprouting or signs of rotting. Keep an eye on your potatoes and plan to eat them before they go bad. [14] X Research source
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Section 7 of 7:
How to Store Cooked Potatoes
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Keep cooked potatoes in an airtight container. Grab a sealable bag or a container with a lid and throw your cooked potatoes inside. Keeping air out will help your cooked potatoes stay fresh for longer. [15] X Research source
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Store cooked potatoes in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Cooked potatoes don’t last long. Plan to eat them within the next couple of days, and check for mold or a bad odor before you dive in. [16] X Research source
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Keep cooked potatoes in the freezer for 10 to 12 months. Want to store your potatoes for longer? Throw them in the freezer, and make sure to add a label with today’s date. [17] X Research source
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References
- ↑ https://thekitchencommunity.org/can-sweet-potatoes-go-bad/
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/help-around-the-kitchen/sprouted-potatoes-safe-to-eat
- ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Do-foods-containing-botulism-have-a-bad-odor-or-taste
- ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/molds-food-are-they-dangerous
- ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/potatoes-shelf-life-expiration-date/
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/help-around-the-kitchen/sprouted-potatoes-safe-to-eat
- ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Are-green-potatoes-dangerous
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/is_it_safe_to_eat_a_green_potato
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/is_it_safe_to_eat_a_green_potato
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/signs-symptoms/index.html
- ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/are-green-potatoes-safe-to-eat-191
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/help-around-the-kitchen/sprouted-potatoes-safe-to-eat
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/food_waste_tips
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/help-around-the-kitchen/sprouted-potatoes-safe-to-eat
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/quick-tip-the-best-way-to-stor-61108
- ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-cooked-potatoes
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/food_waste_tips
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