Best Way to Store Potatoes

Learn the best method for storing potatoes, even when you don't have a lot of extra pantry or storage space!

Whether you're someone who buys a couple potatoes at the store, a couple large bags, or you grow your own potatoes, you want to store them in a way that keeps them as fresh as possible, for as long as possible!

My Favorite 2 Part Method for Storing Potatoes

In a nutshell, you'll want a 2 gallon, food-grade bucket and some pieces of Kraft paper. If you're storing a lot of potatoes, I would recommend several 2 gallon buckets instead of using 1 larger 5 gallon bucket. That way you're not stacking too many potatoes on top of each other, which can cause moisture to build up quicker and it's super hard to get to the potatoes at the bottom.

First, stop by your local grocery store bakery and ask for any empty 2 gallon buckets (for FREE). Your salesperson might not know the size of the bucket so know what you're looking for before going in. They typically have smaller 1 gallons, 2 gallons, and large round and rectangle 5 gallons. On the bottom of the bucket you can find a "2 USG" for 2 US gallons. They are typically leftover frosting and jelly buckets. They will have either metal or plastic handles and either will work for this purpose since you won't be moving the bucket around much. Metal handles are sturdier for long term use and carrying more weight.

I'm not even going to leave an Amazon link for these 2 gallon buckets. They're pretty expensive and it's easy to find them elsewhere. Start at a bakery for free buckets! Just wash them out thoroughly and you're set.

Kraft paper works well for layering in between stacked potatoes. You can buy it on Amazon or best option of all is to re-use Kraft paper that comes with packages from IKEA, and sometimes Amazon. If you've ever purchased anything online from IKEA, you understand how easy it is to load up on feet and feet and feet of Kraft paper with only 1-2 orders!

Make sure to spread out potatoes so there's only a few per layer of Kraft paper and they're not touching too much.

I typically don't store mass amounts of potatoes at one time, so my 2 gallon bucket is plenty big enough. Yes, we get potatoes sprouting from time to time and a little sprouting is okay, as long as the potato is still firm, sprouts are small, and you remove them before cooking with them.

Other Methods for Storing Potatoes

My husband recalls his grandparents storing potatoes in sand. Although this can be an effective method, it's not the most convenient for in-home storage, particularly with young kids in the house.

Using shallow boxes with ventilation is also a common method. You want to make sure to space out your potatoes.

Basics for Potato Storage

• Keep them in a pantry out of direct light.
• Keep them out of the fridge.
• Keep them in an open container
• If you're stacking them, they need breathable material between the potatoes that can also absorb moisture.
• Pick from the bottom when pulling out potatoes.
• Don't store potatoes with other food items.
• Know that store-bought organic potatoes typically go bad quicker.
• For store-bought bagged potatoes, immediately remove them from their bag and transfer them to your 2 gallon bucket.

Enjoy your new method for storing potatoes!