Potatoes will stay fresh 3 months longer if stored away from 2 vegetables

Potatoes can last for months when stored properly, but many people unknowingly shorten their shelf life by keeping them in the wrong spot. They're often left out in the open or placed next to other vegetables in the kitchen, but this can lead to sprouting, soft spots, and mould much sooner than expected. One storage expert has warned that certain everyday habits could be causing potatoes to go bad long before they should.

A common mistake is placing potatoes next to other strong-smelling or fast-ripening produce. While this might seem harmless, it can actually trigger early spoilage. Karen Lamar, a food storage specialist from Organic Cottonmart, explained that potatoes should never be stored near onions or garlic, despite both having long shelf lives of their own.

"When it comes to long-term storage, onions and potatoes outlast many others. So, why not just store them together in the same place?

"Well, that might not exactly work because onions release ethylene gas, which causes potatoes to sprout," she said.

Garlic has a similar effect and can also release moisture into the air, creating a damp environment that encourages mould.

Tomatoes, which are technically a fruit, should also be kept away from potatoes for the same reason.

Instead, Karen recommends storing potatoes somewhere cool, dry and dark, such as a cupboard, drawer, pantry or basement.

"It's a good idea to keep the potatoes as far from sunlight as possible. Too much light can trigger greening, tricking the tubers into producing chlorophyll," she said.

"Greening makes potatoes bitter and high in solanine - a neurotoxin. Such potatoes are best avoided."

Moisture is another issue. Damp areas or sealed plastic containers can trap water and quickly lead to rot.

"It's equally important to steer clear of places with high moisture to save your stock from sprouting and rotting," Karen added.

Once you've chosen the right spot, the next step is to remove any plastic packaging.

Instead, use breathable materials like mesh bags, open paper sacks, or cotton bags to let air circulate.

Karen said: "Good ventilation is crucial for keeping your potato stash fresh for longer. Lack of airflow can cause potatoes to accumulate moisture and spoil quickly from the growth of mould and bacteria."

The expert added that when stored correctly, potatoes can stay fresh for up to three months longer than usual.