Where to store potatoes: Fridge myth debunked by experts

Where should potatoes be stored? Is the fridge really the best option? Besides becoming soft and starting to wrinkle, the tubers can also turn into a ticking time bomb, at least that's what was long believed. What have the latest studies shown?

Most of us store potatoes at home or in pantries, but it turns out that not everyone does this properly. British nutrition specialists emphasize that the storage location is crucial to the quality of potatoes.

The British Food Standards Agency (a government agency responsible for public health in relation to food) a few years ago advised against storing raw, unpeeled potatoes in the fridge. Why?

It was believed that potatoes stored at a temperature below 43°F produce more sugars. When baked or fried, these sugars were thought to combine and create a neurotoxic substance called acrylamide. In large amounts, acrylamide can damage the nervous system, disrupt metabolism, and even contribute to cancer development.

However, later studies showed that storing potatoes in the fridge does not significantly increase the risk of acrylamide formation compared to storing them in a cool, dark place.

The optimal temperature for storing potatoes is between 45°F and 50°F. To be safe to eat and retain their nutritional values, they should be stored in a dark place. In home conditions, a basement or pantry will be ideal for this purpose.

Too high a temperature will cause the potatoes to sprout or rot. The air humidity should be moderate, about 80-90%. If the potatoes are too dry, they can dry out and wrinkle, and if they are too humid, they can mold. Sunlight exposure should also be minimized.