Storage

Store potatoes in a cool, dark spot away from light and with good air circulation. Avoid refrigerating them or storing them in plastic bags, which promotes softening and sprouting, and protect them from both daylight and artificial light, which can cause them to develop green spots, evidence of increased presence of solanine, a toxin. Protect them from frost. During the cool months, I store potatoes in my basement in a brown-paper sack with the top crumpled over but not tightly sealed. This blocks out light but doesn’t trap moisture. During the warmer months, I buy just what I need and use them right away. At 50°F/10°C, potatoes will keep for 2 to 3 months.