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π₯ The Ingenious Trick to Prevent Potatoes from Sprouting at Home
If you’ve ever reached into your pantry only to find your potatoes sprouting alien-like tentacles, you’re not alone. Potato sprouting is a common (and frustrating) problem β especially if you like to buy in bulk or store your veggies for long periods.
But what if there was a simple, natural, and almost effortless way to stop it?
π§ Why Do Potatoes Sprout?
Potatoes are living things, and over time, they start to grow “eyes” that eventually turn into sprouts. This process speeds up in:
- Warm temperatures
- High humidity
- Light exposure
- Ethylene gas (more on this below)
While sprouted potatoes arenβt necessarily unsafe in small amounts, they do start to lose flavor, texture, and nutrients β and can develop toxic compounds (like solanine) if left too long.
π‘ The Ingenious Trick: Store Potatoes with an Apple
π§ͺ Hereβs How It Works:
Apples naturally emit ethylene gas, which β in most cases β accelerates ripening. But when it comes to potatoes, this gas actually inhibits sprout growth.
π₯β How to Do It:
- Store your potatoes in a paper bag, cardboard box, or mesh basket β something breathable.
- Add one apple (not overripe!) to the container.
- Keep the container in a cool, dark, dry place β like a pantry or cellar.
- Check every week to replace the apple if it starts to go soft or rot.
β οΈ Do NOT store your potatoes in the fridge β cold temperatures convert the starch into sugar, altering taste and texture.