The common problem with potatoes
Potatoes are a staple in kitchens worldwide, but anyone who buys them regularly knows the frustration: after just a few weeks, they start to sprout and wrinkle. Not only does this reduce their shelf life, but sprouted potatoes can also lose flavor and nutritional value.
For decades, people have experimented with different storage techniques, from cool cellars to paper bags. But according to age-old wisdom, there’s one grandmother-approved trick that works better than most modern methods.
Why potatoes sprout so quickly
To understand the trick, you need to know why potatoes sprout in the first place. Potatoes are living organisms, and even after harvest, they continue their natural cycle. Factors that speed up sprouting include:
- Warm temperatures (above 10°C / 50°F).
- Exposure to light, which stimulates growth.
- Moisture in the air, encouraging eye development.
- Proximity to other produce that releases ethylene gas, like onions.
This is why your pantry potatoes sometimes look like they’re preparing to grow into a full plant.
Grandma’s fantastic trick: the apple method
Generations of households have sworn by one simple solution: store potatoes with an apple.
The science is surprisingly straightforward. Apples release a small amount of ethylene gas, which slows the natural sprouting process in potatoes. By placing one or two apples among your stored potatoes, you can extend their freshness by several weeks.
“It’s the kind of trick that sounds too simple to be true, yet it really works. A single apple can save an entire bag of potatoes,” explains a home preservation expert.
How to apply the method correctly
If you want to try this fantastic trick, here’s how to do it properly:
- Store potatoes in a dark, cool, and ventilated place, ideally between 4–10°C (39–50°F).
- Place one apple for every 2–3 kilos of potatoes.
- Use a paper or burlap sack rather than plastic, to allow airflow.
- Check periodically and remove any potatoes that start to go bad.
With this method, you’ll notice your potatoes staying firm, fresh, and sprout-free for much longer.
Comparing common storage methods
| Storage Method | Effectiveness | Cost | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With an apple | High | Very low | Very easy | Long-term freshness |
| In the fridge | Low | None | Easy | Not recommended (alters taste) |
| In paper/burlap bags | Moderate | Low | Easy | General storage |
| In sand or sawdust boxes | High | Moderate | Medium | Traditional cellars |
| Next to onions | Very low | None | Easy | Causes faster sprouting |
This table shows why the apple trick is so effective: it’s inexpensive, practical, and requires no special equipment.
Why this method endures
The beauty of grandmother’s wisdom lies in its simplicity. Unlike modern storage gadgets or expensive preservation techniques, this solution requires nothing more than an apple and a little patience. It also reflects a time when households relied on natural methods to reduce waste and preserve food for the long winter months.
In today’s world, where reducing food waste is more important than ever, such low-cost and eco-friendly tricks are making a comeback.
The bottom line
Keeping potatoes from sprouting doesn’t require fancy technology—just a timeless trick from the past. By storing them with an apple in a cool, dark place, you can enjoy firm, flavorful potatoes for weeks longer.
Sometimes, the best solutions really are the simplest ones our grandmothers already knew.
Frikkin amazing that potatoes are sprouting green onions.
Excellent idea