Shelf Life Tips
- How long do potatoes last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - after purchasing, keep potatoes in a dry, dark area.
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Properly stored, raw potatoes will last for 1 to 2 weeks at normal room temperature.
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To maximize the shelf life of potatoes, store in a cool (45-55° F; warmer than the refrigerator, but colder than normal room temperature) dark area; under those storage conditions, potatoes will last about 2 to 3 months.
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To further extend shelf life of potatoes, do not store potatoes near onions, as the chemical reaction will speed the spoilage of both; store potatoes in a loosely covered bag or basket to allow for air circulation.
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Should you refrigerate raw potatoes? Whole, raw potatoes should ideally not be refrigerated; doing so can give them a sweet taste and cause them to darken when cooked.
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*If you must refrigerate raw potatoes (eg, due to a lack of pantry storage space or hot, humid room conditions), the potatoes will last for about 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge, but will likely develop a sweet taste and darken when cooked; this effect can sometimes be offset by storing the potatoes at room temperature for a few days after removing them from the fridge.
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How long do raw potatoes last after they've been cut? Cover the cut, raw potatoes completely with cold water and refrigerate; use the cut potatoes within 24 hours.
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How long do potatoes last in the fridge once they have been cooked? Cooked potatoes will usually stay good for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
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Can you freeze raw potatoes? Raw potatoes do not freeze well; to further extend the shelf life of potatoes, cook them first before freezing.
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To freeze cooked potatoes: (1) Wash, peel and boil potatoes until tender; (2) Mash potatoes and allow to cool; (3) Place in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long do potatoes last once they have been cooked and stored in the freezer? Frozen cooked potatoes will stay at best quality for 10 to 12 months.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only - foods kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How to tell if potatoes are bad or spoiled? Potatoes that are spoiling will typically become soft, discolored and withered; sprouts are an indication that the potato is trying to grow and can signal a deterioration in quality, but they are not harmful and can simply be removed before cooking.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
