Just received a basket of fresh picked red and white potatoes from a farm in Erie PA, dirt still on. So I wash them befer storing?

nzle added 8 months ago

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I wouldn't wash them before storing -- if they're very dirty, brush off the clods with a brush, but keep them totally dry.

They'll keep the longest in a cool, dry, dark environment. Imagine a root cellar!

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ChefJune added 8 months ago

DEFINITELY don't wash them before storing. They need to be completely dry. That soft dirt is also protection from the "elements."

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ChefOno added 8 months ago

…and away from your onions.

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Do not wash the potatoes. They provide a protective coating. This is not just for potatoes but is a good rule in general for storing vegetables.

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mainecook61 added 8 months ago

Amen.
Unwashed, cool, dark, dry in their sacks----but also humid as to the surrounding air, as in a basement. That way, they will keep until March, when they will sprout, even in the dark.

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Gourmet Metrics added 8 months ago

Besides not washing and storing in cool dry, place, also prudent to remove any potatoes that have green areas. When potatoes get a sunburn, they turn green, a marker that toxic alkaloids have accumulated on the surface. I either discard these potatoes or use immediately peeling deeply to remove all the bad stuff.

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