Should potatoes be refrigerated?

Author: Dr. Elsa Jenkins Jr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Potatoes can last for up to several months in a cool pantry. If stored at room temperature, they are best if eaten within one to two weeks. Once cooked, keep them in the fridge for no more than three days.

What is the best way to store potatoes at home?

Potatoes last best when stored in a cool, dry place between 45°F/7°C and 55°F/13°C, so a basement is often your best shot if you have one. Keeping them dry and giving them airflow is important so they don't grow mold, a wooden crate with gaps, a box with air holes or a cloth sack are good options.

Why should you not put potatoes in the fridge?

Here's the bottom-line in regard to storing any potato: Never, ever store raw potatoes in the refrigerator. The colder temperatures in the fridge converts the starch to sugar, and alter the taste and texture. Instead, store raw spuds in a dark, cool-ish and well-ventilated area.

Do raw potatoes need to be refrigerated?

Store potatoes in a cool, humid, and dark place. The ideal temperature range—45 to 50 F—is warmer than a fridge but cooler than room temperature. If you don't have a root cellar (and who does these days?), an unheated basement is the perfect spot for storing potatoes.

Will potatoes spoil if not refrigerated?

Yes. It will last for several days without refrigeration. People have been cooking and keeping cooked potatoes for a lot longer than there has been refrigerators.

Potato Perfection: The Ultimate Kitchen HACK for Keeping Potatoes Fresh for Months!

What vegetables should not be refrigerated?

WHAT FOODS SHOULD NOT BE REFRIGERATED?
  • TOMATOES. Keep your tomatoes juicy, tasty and ready for your next Tomato and Ricotta Pizza by storing them at room temperature rather than in the fridge.
  • POTATOES. ...
  • ONIONS. ...
  • PICKLES. ...
  • CUCUMBERS. ...
  • BELL PEPPERS. ...
  • AVOCADOS. ...
  • WINTER SQUASH.

Do bagged potatoes need to be refrigerated?

The key is to store potatoes in a cool dry place, like in the cabinet of a pantry, in a paper bag or cardboard box. It's important to keep potatoes at the cool, ideal temperature (but not, surprisingly, the fridge) to prevent them from turning green, getting soft spots, or pre-maturely sprouting.

Can you eat potatoes that have sprouted?

Sprouted potatoes that are still firm, have relatively small sprouts, and don't show any wrinkles or shriveling are okay to eat, as long as you cut off the sprouted parts and soft spots. However, there's still a chance you could get sick. If your potato is sprouted and shriveled up, then it's too far gone.

Are refrigerated potatoes healthier?

Chilled Potatoes Decrease Postprandial Glucose, Insulin, and Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Peptide Compared to Boiled Potatoes in Females with Elevated Fasting Glucose and Insulin.

Should you refrigerate apples?

Yes! Experts agree, the refrigerator is THE best place to store apples, providing the ideal conditions for apples because they need very cold and humid storage. In fact, apples stored in the refrigerator will stay fresh for up to 10 times longer than fruit stored at room temperature.

Why should onions not be stored in the fridge?

To develop and keep that dry outer layer, they need to be kept in a dry environment like a pantry, which is not as damp as the refrigerator. Also, lack of air circulation will cause onions to spoil, as will storing them near potatoes, which give off moisture and gas that can cause onions to spoil quickly.

Is it better to store potatoes in plastic or paper bags?

The Best Ways to Store Potatoes to Keep Them Fresh

It's best to store your potatoes in an open bowl, paper bag or a cool dry place.

How to store potatoes so mice don't eat them?

Store Your Potatoes Effectively

A storage solution made of metal is an excellent choice as mice can chew through plastic and wood, but they'll find metal a tough nut to crack.

What is the best container to store potatoes in?

A plastic basket with open weaving (something like a small laundry basket) makes a great storage bin for potatoes. Just make sure you place the basket in a dark place, like a closet or pantry. It's also important not to wash potatoes prior to storing them. You can wipe them off with a dry cloth or paper towel.

When should you not eat potatoes?

You are better off tossing potatoes that have turned green or grown sprouts. Eating them puts you at risk for toxicity from solanine and chaconine, 2 natural toxins found in green or sprouted potatoes.

Should you freeze potatoes?

Freezing potatoes can make life so much easier, and in some cases, produce better results (roast potatoes from frozen, for example!). Have an arsenal of different versions at your fingertips, ready to go and without any prep hassle.

What are the white things coming out of my potatoes?

Sometimes called eyes, these frilly growths can look worrisome but are entirely natural. Sprouted potatoes are safe to eat, too; just remove the eyes and check the rest of the potatoes for freshness.

Can I store potatoes in a Ziploc?

Whatever you do, don't store potatoes in a sealed container! Avoid closed containers like resealable plastic bags or airtight storage containers—they'll trap moisture and will cause the potatoes to mold, sprout, or spoil faster. You can easily store them in a paper bag or in an open bowl or basket.

Do tomatoes need to be refrigerated?

Ripeness, room temperature (especially in summer), tomato variety, and when you intend on using them will all play a role in deciding the best way to store your tomatoes. Under-ripe tomatoes are best left on the bench to develop further, while over-ripe tomatoes can be saved by popping them in the fridge.

What happens if you don't refrigerate potatoes?

If your pantry is too hot, or if you store potatoes for a long time, they will grow sprouts and might rot. For best results, store your potatoes in these conditions: At a temperature of 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. In high relative humidity of around 80% to 90%

Do you have to refrigerate mayo after opening?

You may buy mayonnaise off a non-refrigerated shelf, but the second you pop the top, you must put it in the refrigerator. In fact, the USDA recommends opened mayo be tossed in the trash if its temperature reaches 50 degrees or higher for more than eight hours.

Why should you not put apples in the fridge?

Apples do best in an environment with 90% humidity. Did you know that your refrigerator is a natural dehydrator? It's easy to see this if you have ever left apples (or other produce for that matter) in the crisper for a while only to slide open that drawer and find a very shriveled up piece of fruit.

What grocery item needs no refrigeration but is often refrigerated by most people?

Honey. Honey's many magical qualities make it an incredible preservative — ancient cultures didn't use it to embalm dead bodies for nothing! Honey can last forever, it doesn't need to be refrigerated.

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