19 July 2021
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Chef educates Indian consumers on potato storage
A CHEF in India has been trying to educate the country's consumers about how to extend the shelf life of their potatoes as most consumers fail to do so properly and, with the country's changing weather, potatoes are getting spoiled or beginning to sprout, so go in the dustbin.
Chef Kunal Kapur recently shared a post on his official Instagram handle that talks about potatoes.
“Did you know that potatoes can last longer than any other fruits and vegetables? But eventually, they start to sprout green shoots and lose some of their freshness and flavour. If you know how to store them properly, they’ll stay fresh for weeks, or possibly even months, longer,” he stated while advising the following:
1. Store potatoes in a cool, well-ventilated place.
2. Colder temperatures such as in the refrigerator, cause a potato’s starch to convert into sugar, resulting in a sweet taste and discolouration when cooked.
3. Avoid areas that are hot or receive too much sunlight. Always keep them in a cool dark place away from dirt sunlight.
4. Perforated plastic bags and paper bags offer the best environment for extending shelf-life.
5. Don’t wash potatoes before storing. Dampness promotes early spoilage.
6. Green on the skin of a potato is the build-up of a chemical called Solanine. It is a natural reaction to the potato being exposed to too much light.
7. Solanine produces a bitter taste and if eaten in large quantities can cause illness.
8. If there is slight greening, cut away the green portions of the potato skin before cooking and eating.
9. Sprouts are a sign that the potato is trying to grow. Storing potatoes in a cool, dry, dark location that is well ventilated will reduce sprouting.
10. Cut the sprouts away before cooking or eating the potato.
