How to store-cut potatoes? (3 ways to store )

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How to store cut potatoes?”. We will also discuss how to properly store cut potatoes, and answers to other related questions like why do cut potatoes turn brown and how to avoid cut potatoes turn brown.

How to store-cut potatoes?

To store cut potatoes, whether fresh or cooked, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag, expelling excess air to minimize oxidation. Store them in the refrigerator at temperatures between 1 to 4°C (33 to 39 °F) to inhibit bacterial growth (1,2,3). 

Fresh cut potatoes should be blanched before storing in the fridge to  inactivate enzymes that cause browning and off-flavors, preserving the potatoes’ color and taste during storage. Blanching involves briefly immersing the potato pieces in boiling water, followed by rapid cooling in ice water (12). 

You can also store cut potatoes in the freezer and extend their shelf life even more (4).

Do not store cut potatoes at room temperature. Cut potatoes have a shorter shelf life, and can spoil rapidly in this condition (3).

How to properly store cut potatoes?

You can store the cut potatoes in any of the following three ways depending on the time length and how long you want to keep them fresh. Before cutting potatoes to store them, make sure to thoroughly wash them as they will be having dust particles and pesticide residues attached to them. 

If they are not washed properly, you may become a victim of serious food-borne illness after their consumption (2).

Storing cut potatoes in the refrigerator

Cut potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for about 24 hours without turning dark if you provide them with accurate storage conditions (2,6). 

To store cut potatoes in the refrigerator, you have to thoroughly wash the potatoes, cut them into suitable sized cubes, add them to a bowl containing water and some splashes of vinegar or lemon juice, and cover the bowl with a lid, or stretched plastic sheet to keep the contents off-limits from the moisture and avoid any absorbance of aroma from anything stored in the fridge. Keep the bowl on the shelf of the fridge until you need to use the potatoes within 24 hours (1,2,6).

Storing cut potatoes in the freezer

Cut potatoes can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without being spoiled and turning dark provided the storage conditions are fit (4,6).

To store cut potatoes in the freezer, you need to first wash the potatoes thoroughly. It is not recommended to peel the potatoes if you have to freeze them. Just cut them into the required shape like cubes or fries (4). 

Next, steam them on the stovetop until they are tender but not quite soft enough to eat. Drain the steamed potatoes and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process (4,6). 

When the potatoes are cooled enough, drain the cold water and dry the potatoes. Place them on the baking sheet such that they are well-spaced from each other. Freeze the tray for about 12 hours until all the cubes are frozen. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer suitable container and freeze them for 2-3 months (4).

What affects the shelf life of cut potatoes?

Several factors can reduce the shelf life of cut potatoes. The simple removal of the protective skin of potatoes exposes the inside flesh to air and microorganisms decreasing the shelf life (7). 

The presence of oxygen in the air causes enzymatic browning, which results in unsightly discolouration, and even after cutting, enzymes within the potato remain active, causing the breakdown of starch into sugars, which has a negative impact on taste and texture (7,8). 

Furthermore, cutting increases surface area, increasing moisture and nutrient loss while boosting bacterial growth. These elements all contribute to the deterioration of cut potatoes, increasing their susceptibility to spoiling and shortening their shelf life (7).

Why do cut potatoes turn brown?

It is a general observation that if you cut the potatoes and leave them for a while, they can easily turn dark. The science behind this process is that the potatoes contain an enzyme known as polyphenol oxidase which tends to react with the oxygen present in the environment. Following this process of oxidation, the flesh of potatoes turns grey or brownish (3,8).

How to avoid cut potatoes turning brown?

Potatoes that have turned brown due to the oxidation process are edible but they become less appetizing. To avoid the potatoes turning brown the easiest thing you can do is just to add them to a bowl of cold water. 

The ice-cold water will help you slow down the process of oxidation, extending the shelf life of cut potatoes.  Also, adding a few splashes of acidic substance like citrus juice or white vinegar can slow down the process of oxidation by lowering the pH (8).

How to tell when cut potatoes have gone bad?

The best way to tell if cut potatoes have gone bad is to use your senses. (9,10,11).

  • Texture: As time passes, cut potatoes may become  mushy, soft, or excessively dry, it indicates loss of water content and deterioration.
  • Mold growth: Molds such as Fusarium species can appear when food is exposed to humidity. If you notice abnormal fuzzy spots or thick, slimy film, throw them away!
  • Musty smell: The presence of a pronounced off-putting odor on cut potatoes may signify enzymatic breakdown and microbial activity. So you should discard and not consume them.
  • Taste: If the potato tastes sour, rancid, or has an unpleasant flavor, it likely indicates spoilage.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “How to store cut potatoes?”. We also discussed how to properly store cut potatoes, and answers to other related questions like why do cut potatoes turn brown and how to avoid cut potatoes turn brown.

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References

3.-

 Zhao, S., et al. Shelf-life prediction model of fresh-cut potato at different storage temperatures. J Food Engineering, 2022, 317.

4.-

. Silva, C.L.M. Home Freezing of Fruits and Vegetables. In book: Frozen food science and technology, 2008.

5.-

 Zander, A., Bunning, M. Guide to Washing Fresh Produce. Colorado State University, 2010.

7.-

Qiu Y, Zhou Y, Chang Y, et al. The Effects of Ventilation, Humidity, and Temperature on Bacterial Growth and Bacterial Genera Distribution. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(22).

9.-

 Doan, C.H.,Davidson, P.M. Microbiology of Potatoes and Potato Products: A Review. J Food Protection, 2000, 63(5):668-83 

10.-

 Petrucci, K.P.O.S., et al. Storage of markies cultivar potatoes for prossessing. 2021, Rev. Ceres, 68, 089-095.

11.-

Lee, D.H., et al. Microbiota on Spoiled Vegetables and Their Characterization. J Food Protection, 2013,  76(8):1350-8

12.-

Alvarez, M.D.,Canet. W. Thermal Processing of Potatoes. In book: Advances in Potato Chemistry and Technology, Elsevier, 2016.