Keeping potatoes safe during monsoon is a challenging task. Due to not being stored properly, potatoes start rotting and rotting quickly, making them unusable. In such a situation, we are telling you some indigenous methods to store potatoes which have been used for years.
It would not be wrong at all to say that potatoes are the life of Indian kitchen. There would hardly be any house where potatoes are not used. But, during rainy and summer season, protecting potatoes from rotting and sprouting becomes a big challenge. Potatoes start spoiling very quickly due to moisture and heat.
If you want to keep potatoes fresh and intact for a long time, then do not worry. The grandmothers at home have some age-old home remedies for this, which are very effective. These methods not only protect the potatoes from rotting, but also prevent them from sprouting. It is also easy to use these home remedies. Keep in a cool, dry and dark place.
The most basic and important rule of storing potatoes is to always keep the potatoes in a safe place. Where it is cool, there is breeze but there is no direct light. Heat and light help in quick germination of potatoes. Whereas potatoes remain dormant in a dark and cool place, which increases its shelf life.
Potatoes can be kept inside a cupboard, in a closed cabinet or in the basement. But do not make the mistake of keeping potatoes in the fridge, the cold of the fridge converts the potato starch into sugar, which changes their taste.
Keep potatoes away from onions, keep them with apples.
Potatoes should always be kept away from onions. Ethylene gas released from onions spoils potatoes quickly and promotes germination. Instead of this you can have one or two apples with potatoes. Although ethylene gas is also released from apple, but this gas released from apple helps in preventing the potato from sprouting. It is better to store potatoes and onions in separate baskets or mesh bags.
use newspaper or paper bag
You should use natural things like newspaper or paper bags instead of plastic bags. If you want, you can also keep it in jute sack or wooden basket. Because plastic bags do not allow air to pass in and out, due to which moisture accumulates inside and the potatoes start rotting. Whereas paper bags or newspapers absorb moisture and help keep the potatoes dry.
keep mint leaves
Fresh mint leaves can also help prevent potatoes from sprouting. So while storing potatoes, keep some fresh mint leaves with them. Actually, mint contains some compounds that can help in controlling ethylene gas, which slows down the germination of potatoes. When the mint leaves dry, do not forget to replace them.
press into dry soil or sand
If you are storing a lot of potatoes, this old country method is very effective. Spread a layer of dry sand, dry soil or sawdust in a large container or deep pot. Now place a layer of potatoes on top of that, then another layer of sand/soil and then potatoes again. In this way, press the potatoes layer by layer. Sand or soil prevents the potatoes from spoiling by protecting them from moisture and light.
Always keep one thing in mind, check the potatoes thoroughly before storing them. Any rotten or bruised potato can spoil the rest of the potatoes as well. Remove such potatoes immediately.
Disclaimer: The claims made in this article are based on information found on the internet. NBT does not take responsibility for its truthfulness and accuracy.