Shopping

• Choose firm potatoes without green spots, or eyes.
• Select different varieties depending on how you are going to cook them.

Storage

• Take potatoes out of plastic bags and store them in paper bags to avoid mould due to humidity.
• Avoid storing potatoes next to onions, because they will start to grow.
• Store potatoes in a cool, dark place so that they won’t turn green and start to grow.

  Did you know?

  Potatoes exposed to light develop solanine, which causes green spots.

  Bitter to the taste, these spots can cause discomfort (e.g. stomach cramps, headaches, diarrhea). So you should cut any green spots out of potatoes or throw away the affected ones.

• Put an apple in with your potatoes to stop them from growing. The apple gives off enough ethylene to stop the potatoes from germinating.

Cooking and use

• Select similar sized potatoes for more even cooking.
• Use peeled potatoes quickly since exposure to air will blacken them. You can also store the peeled potatoes in a bowl of cold water until you are ready to cook them.
• Add a hint of butter or oil to stop water from boiling over when cooking your potatoes.
• Use peanut oil to fry your potatoes because it is resistant to heat, due to its high smoke point.