Where and how to store potatoes in the apartment so that the tubers do not spoil and retain their nutritional value. Proper storage of potatoes for the winter How to store potatoes at home in an apartment

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The way vegetables are stored depends on their taste and shelf life. Can potatoes be stored in the refrigerator? It is believed that the refrigerator spoils the taste of potatoes, and also affects the breakdown of starch.

Let's look at how to properly store potatoes.

In a refrigerator

Storing potatoes in the refrigerator is not very convenient, since the vegetable takes up a lot of space.

But if it so happens that potatoes are bought in several kilograms and are stored for a long time, you can place them in the refrigerator, following a number of rules:

• the most important thing is that the potatoes are not located near the freezer;
• it is important to monitor the temperature in the refrigerator, the norm is +3 +6;
• vegetables are stored in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator;
• tubers should be kept in paper bags (potatoes rot in plastic);
• You should store as many potatoes in the refrigerator as you need for the next 10 days. It is not advisable to store it longer.

If the temperature in the refrigerator drops below 2 degrees, then the potatoes acquire a sweet taste, and carcinogenic substances are formed in the tubers.

In the cellar

The best place to store potatoes is the cellar. However, even here you need to take into account the rules in order to protect root crops from rotting and the risk of disease.

First you need to treat the walls of the cellar with table salt.

To do this, prepare a mixture: salt 200 g, slaked lime 2 kg, vitriol 1 kg, water 10 l. You need to wash the walls of the cellar with this solution 2 times a week.

The room must have ventilation or the possibility of ventilation. Potatoes are stored in wooden boxes, which are recommended to be wiped with potassium solution first.

It is important to maintain the temperature regime. In summer t +5-7C, and in winter +2-4C.

In the corridor or entrance

Tubers should be stored in the corridor or entrance in cardboard or wooden boxes, with holes for ventilation.

To prevent them from turning green or black, cover the boxes with a blanket or other dark cloth.

Room temperature +15C. To prevent the vegetable from sprouting, mint, wormwood and rowan leaves should be placed in boxes.

On the balcony

In addition to the refrigerator, there is another cold place in winter - the balcony. If the balcony is insulated, then it is equivalent to a cellar.

There you can maintain the temperature in the region of +5+10 degrees during cold weather.

To start you need to prepare a box filled with insulation materials: sawdust, warm cloth. The top of the boxes with potatoes should be closed with a lid and the temperature in them should be maintained at a temperature comfortable for the vegetable not lower than +5C, humidity above 85%.

In the apartment

If you are going to keep potatoes in an apartment, you need to choose the coldest place. It is prohibited to place boxes and bags of root vegetables close to radiators.

In the summer, early potatoes can be stored in the apartment, but remember that they need to be eaten quickly. It is the early varieties that contain the most vitamins, but they are not intended for long-term storage.

Late varieties are best stored in cooler places: pantry, balcony or refrigerator.

Preparation for storage

When harvesting, it is very important to comply with deadlines. This directly affects the keeping quality of potatoes. After harvest it is important that the potatoes lie in the sun, the process has a name - light processing.

To do this, potatoes are laid out in direct sunlight for several days. Afterwards they are sent for storage to the chosen location.

Potatoes need to be prepared immediately after harvest. For this a number of recommendations should be followed:

• clean the tubers from the soil (no need to wash);
• dry the tubers under the sun or in a well-ventilated dry room;
• select healthy fruits and throw away infected, cracked, rotten ones;
• place in a storage container.

How to store potatoes in an apartment

Storage in an apartment involves choosing a place where the potatoes will be most comfortable. There are 3 places:

1. In the entrance or storage room. The entrance or pantry is cool and vegetables are always at hand, but there is a drawback: depending on the time of year, different t modes are maintained.
2. On the balcony. Tubers feel comfortable on the balcony if the t regime is observed. The main thing is to place wooden boxes so that there are no gaps between them; they need insulation.
3. In a refrigerator. t not lower than 3C. Store potatoes for no more than 2 weeks.

Preserving in an apartment involves placing the vegetable in the coolest and darkest place. However, the root crop will not be able to lie at room temperature for a long time.

If there are no other places, then you can consider storing potatoes in the refrigerator. There is a condition - store no more than 10-14 days, observing the t regime.

Which varieties are best stored?

It is best to put off late or mid-season varieties for the winter. The following varieties are endowed with good keeping quality: Asterix, Atlas, Volat, Dolphin, Lad, Scarlett, Saturna.

Diseases and causes of their occurrence

If stored improperly, potatoes can be affected by diseases:

• late blight. Hard spots appear on the tubers, which damage the pulp. Appears if one of the fruits has already been infected;
• dry rot. A white moldy coating appears on the peel. Occurs if the tubers have been moistened and is transmitted with adhering soil. It is recommended to wash potatoes before storing;
• black scab. A fungus that attacks the pulp of a tuber. It is also transmitted through the soil; if the temperature is incorrect, it quickly spreads to other potatoes;
• freezing potatoes. Occurs if the vegetable is stored at temperatures below 2C.

When harvesting, you need to be careful and carefully sort through the root crops.

Correct temperature, containers

Comfortable t mode +2 +3 degrees, and humidity 70-80%. Optimal temperature conditions: t +5+10C.

If it is warm in winter, the potatoes will begin to sprout. And with a constant decrease in temperature, it becomes sweet due to the conversion of starch into sugar.

It is better to store vegetables in wooden boxes, which are called “bins”. To prepare the boxes, you need to calculate the volume of the harvest.

The bottom of the boxes should be raised above the floor by 15 cm, the height of the sides should be 1-1.5 meters. The gaps between the boards are 1-2 cm for ventilation. The boxes are covered with a lid on top.

Features of storage at different times of the year

There are 4 storage periods for potatoes:

1. Medicinal. Immediately after harvesting, it is necessary to create conditions for the ripening of tubers and treatment of mechanical damage. During this period, you need to leave the crop at t12-18C for ventilation for 8-10 days.
2. Cooling. Ventilate the tubers with night air up to 1C. Ventilation takes place within 2-3 weeks.
3. The main one is the rest period. Place in a room where the temperature is maintained at 2-4C. Once or twice a week, the room should be thoroughly ventilated for half an hour.
4. Spring– after the potatoes begin to sprout. In February, when there is a risk of potatoes sprouting, you need to give them stress hardening and reduce the temperature to 1-3C. This way you can save the tubers until May.

If you follow the rules, you can significantly extend the shelf life of the root crop.

Over the years, potatoes have become an integral component in the preparation of most dishes. We use it as a side dish or main dish. Well, so that it retains its taste, that's all. beneficial features we must store it correctly.

There are 4 places in your home where to store potatoes in your apartment and which are ideal for storing potatoes:

1. Sink or sink. Potatoes should be stored in a dark, enclosed area where there is an optimal level of humidity, and the place under the sink is great for this. It's also best to store it in wicker baskets rather than plastic bags.
2. Balcony or loggia. It is in this place that it is recommended to store potatoes, since there is space for them to be placed, and the temperature and humidity are at the optimal level. Don't forget to pour the product from the bag or packaging into a wooden box. If the balcony is not insulated and does not have any other protection from external factors, it is better to fill the box inside with construction foam, since it does not decompose and allows you to regulate the temperature inside the container, and cover the top of the box with old warm clothes (keep the heat inside) so that the potatoes didn't freeze.
3. Fridge. Another suitable place is where there is always an acceptable temperature (which, by the way, can be adjusted at your discretion), humidity and virtually no light sources. Also in this case, it is better to transfer the potatoes into a thick plastic bag or a bag (this way the potatoes won't absorb the odors of the entire refrigerator). The disadvantage of this storage method is the fact that you cannot store it in large volumes; unfortunately, the dimensions of the refrigerator itself are such that no more than three or five kilograms of potatoes can fit.
4. Entrance or corridor. If there is no space in the apartment, then there is plenty of it. In addition, the temperature is several times lower than on a balcony or loggia. But do not forget to take care of the safety of the product and put the box “turnkey” (for example, a regular lock).

If in the cold season everything is very simple with storing potatoes (the main thing is to maintain moisture and not allow the potatoes to freeze), then storage in the summer may encounter certain difficulties. First of all, make sure that it is not left in the sun for a long time, which can cause the moisture to evaporate.

Expert opinion

Filatov Ivan Yurievich, private farmer for more than 30 years

If the temperature exceeds 28 degrees Celsius, the potatoes may simply dry out. To avoid this situation, place a cut plastic bottle filled with water next to the container in which the potatoes are stored. With its help you can control the humidity and temperature of the air.

How to store potatoes at home

Winter on the balcony

Where to store potatoes in an apartment in winter? Here you are! A loggia or balcony should preferably be glazed. At a minimum, there should be side walls. At what temperature can potatoes be stored on the balcony in winter? Below are the main criteria for storing potatoes on the balcony: preserving vegetables during the winter is possible at temperatures no higher than 5-12 degrees and no lower than 3 degrees Celsius. Humidity should be maintained in the range of 30-45%.

Is it possible to store potatoes on the balcony in winter and how to store potatoes on the balcony in winter? Vegetables should not be exposed to direct sun rays. Ventilation or slight air circulation and protection from water ingress are required. One of the most reliable ways to store tubers is an insulated box. It can be made from old boards or you can buy a ready-made one. A prerequisite for the box is a double bottom, as well as walls with a heater.

How to store potatoes on the balcony in winter without heating? You can use polystyrene or cotton wool. Unnecessary refrigerators are especially popular. They are installed so that the door can be opened. Such storage of potatoes on the balcony involves covering the potatoes with a cloth that absorbs compressed moisture, as well as regular ventilation.

In a refrigerator

Can potatoes be stored in the refrigerator? Yes. The lower part of the refrigerator is intended for storing vegetables. This is the warmest place (because vegetables should not freeze). Most refrigerators have a temperature range from +3 to +6 C (can be adjusted).

How to store potatoes in the refrigerator? Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately determine the temperature in an individual compartment in each model, especially in older devices.

Tubers should only be stored in paper bags: potatoes in plastic begin to rot. If the tubers are kept at a temperature below +2 ° C for at least 7 days, they will acquire an unpleasant sweet taste due to the fact that starch is converted into glucose. When cooked, carcinogens are synthesized in such sweet tubers.

If you remove all the other vegetables from the refrigerator and take the entire bottom section for potatoes, the refrigerator will have a musty greengrocer's smell, and if the temperature is not adjusted correctly, the tubers will become tasteless and even harmful.

Thus, storing potatoes in an apartment in the refrigerator is advisable only for tubers that were left for seeds: in this case, the taste does not matter, the main thing is that the potatoes germinate in the spring.

Do you store potatoes in the refrigerator?

No, she's getting sweetYes, the taste doesn't change

To prevent it from sprouting

How to store potatoes in an apartment so that they do not sprout? If you are going to store potatoes in an apartment, you need to choose the coldest place. It is prohibited to place boxes and bags of root vegetables near radiators.

In summer, early potatoes can be stored indoors, but remember that they need to be eaten quickly. Early varieties contain a lot of vitamins, but they are not intended for long-term storage.

Late varieties are best stored in cooler places: a closet, balcony or refrigerator.

As you can see, storing potatoes must be approached with all responsibility, following several basic rules. First of all, choose a suitable storage location where the temperature, lighting and humidity will be at optimal levels. Also, do not forget to constantly monitor the condition of the product.

Video

Do you want to make a box for storing potatoes in winter on the balcony with your own hands? In this video you will see how to make a box for storing potatoes in winter on the balcony.

Potatoes are the most beloved vegetable in our latitudes, which is also deservedly called “second bread”. It is boiled, fried, stewed, baked, soups, stews are prepared with it, and even used as a filling for pies. Potatoes are mostly made up of starches, which makes them quite high in calories. Also contains a full range of useful microelements, vitamins and amino acids. Its benefits to the body are determined not only by the methods of preparation, but also by the conditions and duration of storage. Often potatoes rot, are affected by fungal diseases, become lethargic and sprout. In order for potatoes to be successfully stored at home all winter, you need to follow temperature conditions and other nuances.

Modes for potato tubers

1. Treatment period. The tubers are dried and ripened, cuts and injuries from impacts are healed. After digging, it is recommended to leave the potatoes for 1–2 hours. During this time, it will dry out enough and become covered with a dry crust. The crop should not be exposed to the sun for a long time, since under the influence of direct sunlight the tubers turn green and can become “ sunburn" Then the potatoes are collected and transferred under a canopy for 1–2 weeks, where they lie in one layer. During this time, the protective properties of the tubers are strengthened, making them ready for the next stage. The ideal air temperature for this period is +13…+18oС.
   

   The toxic substance solanine accumulates in green tubers. Eating such potatoes is dangerous for your health!

2. Cooling period. It consists of a gradual decrease in temperature to +2…+4o. Lasts 10–15 days. During this period, the tubers enter a dormant period. Under normal dacha conditions, nature itself will help achieve this effect, since the air naturally cools during the autumn period.
3. Main period or winter. Lasts until the end of February. For long-term storage, potatoes are transferred to a suitable place. In order not to disturb the state of rest, ensure the correct temperature, humidity and light conditions.
4. Spring period. Begins with the onset of warm weather. The temperature in the potato storage room rises and the tubers begin to germinate. From this point on, potatoes quickly lose their usefulness.

Sometimes the first two periods are combined into one post-harvest period. It is a preparatory stage before long-term storage. If you don't follow it, you risk losing a significant part of your harvest. It is also important to protect potatoes from moisture and rain at this time.

Preparing potatoes for storage at home

After properly carried out post-harvest preparation, the potatoes are almost ready for long-term storage. All that remains is to sort it, inspect it for the presence of diseased tubers and remove dried dirt.

• If we have harvested our own crop and plan to plant potatoes next year, then first of all we need to select potatoes for sowing. As a rule, for this purpose they take the smallest tubers, green potatoes, as well as tubers with many eyes (more than 6 eyes). Naturally, damaged and diseased tubers are not suitable.

Unlike eating potatoes, seed potatoes are recommended to be left in the sun for several days to “green up”. Thanks to this, the potatoes will last longer and will also become inedible for rodents.

• Potato tubers are sorted depending on the variety and purpose. There are varieties for long-term storage (late and mid-season), and there are early varieties that last until winter at most. It is necessary to take into account the purpose of the tubers: there are potatoes that boil quickly and are suitable for mashing, and there are “harder” varieties that are ideal for frying.
• You can also sort by size. Large tubers last longer than small ones. In addition, potatoes of approximately the same size create more voids, which provides better ventilation.
• Much attention should be paid to the quality of the tubers. In the future, all cuts and poorly healed injuries can cause rot. Such potatoes are selected “for now.” The cut areas can be treated with wood ash.
• It is recommended to wash potato tubers before storage, since many microbes live in the soil that can provoke the development of diseases. It is not always possible to do this, especially if there are a lot of potatoes. IN ordinary cases the dirt itself falls off after drying through the process of natural friction, when the crop is placed in boxes or bags. You can also remove it during sorting by wearing gloves with a rough surface. The potatoes are not washed immediately after digging.
• After sorting, the potatoes are put into containers and sent for storage.

Important! Don't be lazy to sort out the potatoes before storing! Several diseased tubers can infect other healthy ones, which can lead to the loss of part of the harvest.

Of course, the quality of the tubers, like the quality of the entire crop as a whole, will depend on weather conditions, soil, and fertilization methods. If the summer and autumn were rainy, then there is a high probability of rot developing. Excessive dryness leads to early wilting of tubers. To somehow extend the shelf life of already bad potatoes, you can treat them with wood ash. For 20 kg we need only 2-3 handfuls of ash, which needs to be poured over the tubers during storage. Of course, today there are many chemicals to protect potatoes from late blight, rot and other diseases, but it is better to use them when storing seed potatoes rather than potatoes “for food”.

To slow down germination, it is recommended to lay the tubers with mint and rowan leaves, pine and spruce branches. These plants contain phytoncides that help prolong hibernation.

Preparing potatoes for long-term storage - photo

Drying potatoes in the sun is an important preparatory step. Sorting potato tubers after digging by size Sorting tubers according to size is an important process for successful long-term storage Storing potatoes in wooden boxes during the winter

How to store vegetables correctly

• Temperature. The storage place should be cool - 2–4 ºС; at lower temperatures, potatoes lose their taste. The maximum storage temperature is 5–7 ºС. At temperatures of 0 ºС and below, potatoes freeze slightly, become sweet and unsuitable for consumption, and soon rot.
• Humidity. Optimum humidity 85–90%. Low and excessive humidity equally harm the preservation of tubers. If the air is too dry, you can place containers with water, the moisture will evaporate and humidify the room.
• Light. Potatoes are stored in the dark. If this is temporary storage on the balcony, then it is worth covering the container with potatoes in several layers and hiding them from direct rays of the sun.

Not everyone has a suitable place to store potatoes. Often you have to make small tricks to ensure optimal conditions and preserve the potatoes for as long as possible. If the room temperature is too high (for example, in a closet ordinary apartment), then you can try cooling the air with ice. For this you will need plastic bottles with frozen water, which are placed near the potatoes. You can freeze water both in the freezer and on the balcony or street in frosty weather.

It also happens that the temperature, on the contrary, is too low and there is a risk of tubers freezing (if stored on an uninsulated balcony). In such cases, you will need to think about how and with what to insulate. You can wrap the potatoes in old blankets or jackets, or you can make your own insulated storage box. For particularly frosty nights, in order to definitely protect vegetables from freezing, it is better to make a heated box.

Before you start manufacturing, you need to decide on the dimensions of the future container.

How to make an insulated box

For the frame you will need wooden beam. The finished frame can be sheathed with plywood, chipboard, fiberboard or OSB using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver. Sheets of polystyrene foam or penoplex, 5 cm thick, are suitable as insulation. Additionally, you can use isolon. Thermal insulation is glued to the walls and bottom of the box using liquid nails, and the joints are additionally taped with wide tape. The lid is insulated in the same way.

You can also create a box based on the matryoshka principle. You will need two containers, one of which is slightly smaller in size. The space between the walls is filled with sawdust, crushed polystyrene foam or other material 3–5 cm thick.

A potato box insulated with foam plastic is an excellent solution for storing potatoes on the balcony!

An already finished container can be improved heating element and an electric contact thermal relay. A household hair dryer with low power or two incandescent lamps of 40–60 W are suitable as a heater. The relay will turn the heater on and off automatically, maintaining the desired temperature in the container. A grill should be placed at the bottom of the box to provide a layer of air.

If you decide to use a hair dryer, you will need plastic tubes with a diameter of 4–5 cm, through which heated air will flow into the box. Plastic tubes are connected to each other at an angle of 90º. The lower end is inserted into a hole previously made in the bottom of the container. A hairdryer is attached to the upper end. Heated air will flow to the bottom of the box, rise further and heat its contents. To ensure uniform heat flow, several holes are made in the bottom of the tube.

Insulated box heated by a household hair dryer

A hair dryer is a rather noisy device and requires a lot of electricity. Incandescent lamps can be used instead. In this case, you will need a tin pipe into which two light bulbs are inserted. The heat they generate will be enough to warm the potatoes.

Thermal container heated by incandescent lamps

If you are the happy owner of an insulated balcony, then to store vegetables in winter it will be enough to make an ordinary box from boards, plywood or other materials.

An example of a box for storing potatoes on an insulated balcony

How to make a box for storing vegetables on the balcony

Tara

Potatoes are usually stored in well-ventilated boxes or bags:

• Wooden boxes made from planks
• Wooden containers for storing potatoes in a cellar or basement
• Plastic containers with “mesh” walls and bottom
• Boxes made of thick cardboard with holes
• Burlap bags

Potatoes are best stored in small portions, so it is preferable to choose small boxes (for 10 kg of potatoes) made from wooden slats. They are light, reliable, easy to carry vegetables in, and can be stacked one on top of the other to save space. In such a container it is easier to sort through the potatoes; they can be viewed through the cracks for the presence of rotten tubers. Thanks to the distances between the slats, air will always flow to the vegetables, and by placing the box on bricks or pallets, you will provide additional ventilation. You can make such a box with your own hands, using unnecessary boards, wooden planks, leftover lumber and even chipboard, fiberboard and OSB. The optimal width of the planks is 5 cm, length - 50 cm. You will also need triangular-shaped wooden blocks for better fastening of the sides. It is best to connect parts together with nails or self-tapping screws.

Do-it-yourself wooden box - saving money on buying packaging!

Drawing of a potato storage box

To store potatoes, they also buy plastic boxes, less often metal ones. Plastic containers very light, and mesh walls and bottom provide good ventilation. As for metal ones, they are much more expensive and heavier; moving potatoes will not be easy due to the weight of the boxes themselves.

You can also store potatoes in large containers made from pallets or the same wooden planks. They are made angular or rectangular. A regular rectangular container can have a horizontal door at the bottom or a door. Thanks to this design, it is convenient to pick potatoes.

It is preferable to choose bags made of mesh. In such a container, the potatoes “breathe” and do not fog up. Thick polypropylene bags are strictly not allowed for long-term storage. They practically do not allow air to pass through and are only suitable for harvesting and transporting them.

Today you can buy a special thermal bag for storing vegetables on the balcony in winter. The top of the bag is made of dense tent fabric, and the inner warm layer is made of thick durable padding polyester. In addition to insulation, such a bag has electric heating, thanks to which the temperature inside is maintained within 1–7ºС even in the most severe frost. There are also thermal containers on sale, where the temperature is regulated by a special temperature sensor and never drops below 1ºC. Perhaps the only drawback of such packaging is its cost. We have already described above how to make a heated container with your own hands.

The most common container for storing potatoes - photo

A wooden box is the most common container for storing potatoes Plastic box with mesh bottom and sides Option for a container for storing potatoes in the cellar Storing potatoes in a corner container as an alternative to storage in bins You can store potatoes in bright colored mesh bags. Thermal bag is an excellent solution for storing vegetables at low temperatures

Methods for storing potatoes in a basement or cellar

• in bulk right in the middle of the cellar (bulk method)
• in bulk in bins (secret method)
• in large ventilated containers (containerized)
• small boxes and bags
• on racks

The bulk and secluded methods do not require containers, which means you won’t need to spend extra money. Their disadvantages are that potatoes are stored in large volumes, and this complicates the process of sorting and inspecting them. Tubers that are located at the bottom and in the middle receive less oxygen. Potatoes in the upper layers often become foggy as moisture evaporates and rises from the very bottom. To prevent fogging, it is recommended to pour a layer of straw on top, which will absorb excess moisture. The straw must be turned over periodically. You can also store beets along with potatoes, the excess moisture of which will only be beneficial. Vermiculite has good hygroscopicity. It is recommended to spread it in a layer of 3–4 cm. To ensure ventilation in the bins, it is recommended to place pallets on the floor.

If potatoes are stored in wooden or plastic boxes, then the latter should not directly touch the walls and floor (distance 20–30 cm). For normal ventilation, the distance between the rows of boxes should be several centimeters. The disadvantage of this method is that empty boxes take up a lot of space and need to be washed and disinfected every year.

The bags are placed on the floor in a vertical or horizontal position. With the latter method, the bags can be stacked on top of each other.

A pretty good way to store potatoes on racks. There it lies in one layer, is well ventilated, and does not fog up. It is convenient to inspect and sort through the tubers, and you can also place empty glass jars from winter preservation on empty shelves.

How to preserve the harvest: methods in the photo

The easiest way to store potatoes Simple and convenient - storing potatoes in bins Storing potatoes in bags in a horizontal position Racks are an excellent solution for storing potatoes! Small wooden boxes are the most convenient storage containers

Where to keep supplies

Potatoes can also be stored in piles and trenches, but such storage methods will be rather temporary.

At home, many people prefer to store a large number of potatoes in the refrigerator. This is not entirely correct, since potatoes are on the list of foods that cannot be stored this way. Another common mistake is that potatoes are stored with other vegetables. Potatoes can be stored with beets and carrots - they absorb moisture well. It is not recommended to store together with apples. The latter tend to absorb odors, and the presence of potatoes reduces their shelf life. Also, potatoes should not be stored together with zucchini, pumpkin, peppers, onions, garlic and other vegetables.

Features of different varieties of vegetables

The length of storage of potatoes is affected by the amount of starch in its composition. The more starch, the longer it is stored there. The most starchy varieties are Zhavoronok, Bullfinch, Adretta, Rassvet Kievskiy, Charodey, Effect. These potatoes can last until spring. Early varieties tend to contain less starch, so they are eaten first. The exception is the Gala variety. Not only is it super early, but it also produces very high yields even in a bad season in poor soil. Fans will love this variety healthy eating due to low starch content.

Some varieties are not suitable for long-term storage at all. These include the varieties Sineglazka, Lorch and Dnepryanka.

As for storage temperature, the varieties Epron, Priekulskiy ranniy, Northern Rose, Falenskiy and Berlichingem require a temperature of +1.5...+2°C; the varieties Ogonyok, Skorospelka, Agrotekhnicheskiy, Loshitsky, Temp and Foran are suitable for temperature fluctuations from +1.5ºС to +3°С; varieties Start, Lorch, Razvaristy and Stolovy 19 are best stored at a temperature of +3...+5°C.

As for seed potatoes, they are first sorted, greened in the sun, dried, cooled, and then sent for winter storage in a dark, cool room with a temperature of 2–3º C. From the second mid-February, the temperature is raised to 10–15º C, opening vents in the storage or taking it outside to germinate. At this stage, the tubers awaken from deep dormancy before planting.

Errors when storing potatoes and associated diseases

The most common errors are the following:

• Poor disinfection of the premises. May cause potato moth and its larvae. Tubers are affected by small worms that can destroy the entire crop. Moth pupae can be found in cracks in the floor and walls, so it is important to thoroughly treat the cellar before storing vegetables. Fungal diseases of potatoes can also occur. If such troubles occur, potatoes are treated with a solution of biological products: 2 liters of Lepitotsid and 0.5 liters of Planriz are taken per 100 liters of water. Lepitocide is destructive to moths and their larvae, and Planriz destroys fungi. The tubers are soaked in the solution for 15–20 minutes, dried and stored. You can eat processed potatoes after 2–3 days. You can spray the tubers with a solution of the drug “Entobacterin”; you can also use smoke bombs “Fas” or “Gamma”.
• Using tight containers. Gray spotting may occur. The tubers develop many bruises from compression, which turn into gray spots. The potatoes are also “steamed”. Control measures will be preventive.
• They did not inspect for diseased tubers before storage. A few rotten potatoes can infect healthy ones. Common diseases during storage include black leg, fusarium dry rot, wet rot and others. It is necessary to eliminate diseased tubers along with neighboring ones. You can also sprinkle the potatoes with ash.
• Potatoes were not dried well. Can lead to mass destruction tubers with bacterial ring rot. The disease is contagious. Control measures: sorting out the tubers, maintaining the temperature within 2–4 degrees.
• Too high humidity and lack of ventilation. Potatoes are most often affected different types rotten. It is also possible to “suffocate” the tubers. White, loose tubercles form on their surface, which disappear without causing much harm if normal storage conditions are created. If you do nothing, then after a month the potatoes begin to rot.
• Storing potatoes with a lot of mechanical damage. Such potatoes are often affected by rot, as well as a fungal disease such as dry rot. Spreads to neighboring healthy tubers. Brown sunken spots appear on the potatoes, which over time become dry, wrinkled and rotten. Infection occurs in the soil, which is why it is so important to clean the potatoes from dirt. Potatoes are sorted and diseased tubers are removed.
• Storing potatoes near windows. When exposed to direct sunlight, the tubers turn green. For lack of other space, potatoes should be covered in several layers.
• Too much heat storage The tubers begin to sprout and, as a result, wither. Control measures: shoots are removed and the air temperature is kept at a lower temperature.
• The air is too dry. The potatoes begin to wilt and become soft. It is necessary to ensure normal humidity.

In order to ensure high-quality long-term storage of potatoes, it is necessary to properly prepare them first. Since some root crops become damaged after harvest and are at risk of disease, it is important to provide them with suitable conditions for recovery.

In this regard, potato storage technology includes three stages:

• At the first stage, potatoes are stored after harvesting for half a month at a temperature of 15 to 18 o C
• The second stage lasts 10 days, and the potato storage temperature is from 12 to 14 o C
• At the third stage, the potatoes are stored for permanent storage.

In the first two stages, root crops undergo a recovery period, when damage from the harvesting cycle and transportation to the storage site heals. Also at this time, the potatoes are sorted and the rotten fruits are thrown away. The third period is the longest-term and the storage conditions for potatoes in it differ sharply from the conditions in the previous two.

Temperature conditions for storing potatoes

In order to properly store potatoes for a long shelf life, you need to know how to store potatoes and create the appropriate conditions. Only then will it be possible to avoid spoilage of root crops and preserve them for personal and agricultural needs. First of all, it is necessary to create an appropriate temperature regime.

The best storage temperature for potatoes is from 2 to 4 O C. At the same time, the air humidity in the room where the potatoes are stored should not exceed 85-90%. It has been noticed that if the vegetable storage has a lower temperature, the tubers acquire a sweetish, unpleasant taste.

There are also requirements for the general indoor climate. First, you need to prevent daylight from entering the storage unit. On sunlight Root vegetables produce solanine, a substance poisonous to humans that gives the tubers a greenish color. Secondly, it should be a dry place, minimally exposed to freezing in winter.

Where is the best place to store potatoes?

Since people live in different living conditions, and everyone eats potatoes, the storage locations will be different. For example, advice on how to store potatoes in a cellar is perfect for someone who lives in a private housing sector. For those who live in an apartment, it is necessary to consider another option.

Let's look at the options for storing potatoes in order. First of all, we should mention stationary storage facilities, since this is the best option for preserving potatoes. This is explained by the fact that there is the possibility of adjusting climatic conditions for optimal conditions. It is also convenient to regularly check the condition of the tubers.

Types of storage:

• Ground
• Half recessed
• Fully recessed

Fully recessed storage facilities in spring and autumn are less susceptible to warming up and do not freeze in winter time. This, rightfully, made them the best option for preserving potatoes. Knowing the depth at which groundwater is located, you can choose the most appropriate storage option. It should be noted that 2 meters from groundwater to the bottom of the storage facility is the minimum distance.

How to properly store potatoes in the cellar

In order to put potatoes for storage in the cellar, you must first prepare this room. The cellar must be clean, bleached with lime milk and dry. It is mandatory to have an vent in the room, which serves to remove dampness. Each potato storage box must be repaired and prepared for use.

The boxes should not stand on the floor, but should be raised 15-20 cm. Bricks are good for substrates. Since potatoes contain a lot of starch and water, high humidity can easily cause fungal and mold damage. To create conditions for storing potatoes in the cellar, you must ensure that the room is well ventilated. This will prevent the appearance of musty air and dampness in it.

If you equip the cellar with additional shelves, then potatoes can be stored on them. Before you start storing, you should decide which potato packaging is most suitable for this purpose. You can choose between two options - bags or nets. If you choose the second option and use nets for potatoes, this provides a number of advantages.

Thanks to the mesh material, air circulates freely between the tubers. This has a positive effect on the condition of the potatoes and protects against the appearance of pathogenic fungi on them. Also, the use of potato nets allows you to harvest the crop in them once and not have to unpack them in the future. Such packaging of potatoes makes it easy to carry, lay out the potatoes on pallets for drying and put them in the cellar.

Additional storage options

If you have your own land, potatoes can be stored in piles. Burts are depressions in the ground measuring 20 cm and about 2.5 meters wide. The length of the ditch is determined by the number of potatoes stored. The tubers are piled into a cone-shaped pile along the entire length of the pile, 1 m high, and covered with straw. Then everything is covered with a layer of earth.

Potatoes can also be buried in the ground for the winter. This is done if the potatoes are planned to be used at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring. The depth of the hole is about 2 meters, and it needs to be dug in dense, dry soil. Having filled the hole halfway with potato tubers, sprinkle 10 cm of sand on top, and then earth. All this is covered with straw and peat.

How to store potatoes indoors

Since residents of apartment buildings have more limited storage options, a loggia or balcony is usually used for these purposes. You can make a box for storing potatoes and install it on the balcony. It must be hermetically insulated to maintain the required temperature and ensure reliable storage for the winter. For this purpose, the box has double walls filled with insulation. Sawdust or polystyrene foam are ideal as insulation. The body, lined with clapboard or 10-16 mm plywood, must be painted so that the box does not get wet.

Two 15-watt incandescent lamps installed in the walls will maintain the desired temperature in the box, turning on according to signals from the thermal relay. You can control the temperature manually by installing a thermometer inside. Potatoes must be covered with a dark cloth to prevent them from turning green.

Also, an unheated box made from thick plywood will work well for storage on the balcony in winter. Between the double walls of the box it is necessary to lay foam plastic 10 cm thick, and lay a wooden grid on the bottom. There are holes in the walls for air circulation.

You can store potatoes in the refrigerator, which has already used up its useful life. By installing it on the balcony in a horizontal position, we get a ready-made container for storing potatoes. And with some creativity, you can turn it into a mini-sofa, using a refrigerator lid as a seat.

Advantages of using potato processing

One method to reduce tuber losses is potato processing. It uses small or damaged tubers. Typically, after harvesting, the percentage of damaged potatoes is one third. Therefore, processing potatoes using them can significantly reduce the percentage of losses and significantly save the autumn harvest.

This method consists of canning potatoes for canned snacks and various dishes, processing tubers into dried products and semi-finished products. Because the nutrients Since proteins and starch do not lose their properties in this process, potato processing is an excellent way to save a crop that has already been damaged and has begun to deteriorate from large losses.

You can also process potatoes into alcohol and starch. The second is widely used for making jelly. The variety of potato processing has allowed the business of producing chips, mashed potatoes and various drinks to gain global momentum. It is worth noting that this process can also be carried out at home.

Since we are talking about a very capricious root crop, which is very sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, storing potatoes requires serious attention and preparation. How much harvest can be saved, and what shelf life of potatoes can be achieved, directly depends on preparatory activities with potatoes and the room in which they will be stored!

In the fall, it's time to stock up for the winter. Potatoes occupy the largest place in cellars and basements. And if the owners of sheds, garages and summer cottages have nothing to worry about, then most city residents have a problem - how to store potatoes in the apartment.

High temperatures and too dry air do not allow keeping a large number of tubers in good condition for a long time. But don’t throw it away!

There are several ways:

• on the balcony (loggia)
• in the entrance (vestibule)
• under the window
• in a refrigerator

Each of these methods is good in its own way. We will describe everything in detail.

Potatoes on the balcony in winter

Of course, you can’t just take the tubers, pour them into bags and put them on the balcony. The first frost will gladly ruin all your supplies. You will have to protect the potatoes from the cold. It is useless to throw a fur coat over a bag. Thick blankets won't help either. There are two options here.

Option #1. The balcony is large, there is a lot of space. We take two boxes. We put one huge one in the corner of the loggia. We place a smaller box in it. The distance between the walls of the containers should be at least 12 cm. It is into this distance that you need to stuff sawdust, wood shavings or foam plates. Don’t forget about the bottom either; insulate the lid accordingly.

We install a pair of 15-watt light bulbs painted darkly inside. By the way, the boxes should have no cracks or holes.

Now you can pour dry potatoes inside a small container. Cover with a lid and that's it. The improvised box for storing potatoes in the apartment is ready. Such a system completely maintains the temperature up to +7°C, when outside it reaches -30°C.

Naturally, with the lights on. Why paint with dark paint? To prevent the potatoes from turning green. The heat from the light bulbs will still flow. Throwing a thick blanket or old winter clothes on top, you don’t have to worry about the harvest even at -40°C.

Advice. Make the structure stationary from high-quality wood and good insulation. Then you won't have to create it every year. In summer you can use the structure as a coffee table.

Option number 2. The balcony is small, there is not enough space. You can’t install any box, there’s nowhere to turn around. You'll have to spend money. The industry offers thermal containers for sale. They are available in three volume variations, are aesthetically beautiful and compact.

A big plus of such designs is that they are equipped with a thermostat. That is, you can simply plug it into the outlet and set the desired temperature inside. Automation will do the rest. The capacity of thermal containers can be selected depending on the available space on the balcony. Even the most voluminous one takes up very little space when fully loaded.

Advice. To summer period the design did not take up space on the balcony; it can be cleaned, washed, and dried. Then fold and put away until next use.

Potatoes at the entrance

No, of course you shouldn’t just leave the bags next to front door. The very next morning you won't find them. But, on some floors there are separate vestibules with a fenced-off nook. This is where you can put a box of potatoes. Naturally, by agreement with other users and neighbors. Not everyone will like the smell of vegetables.

By the way, even in ordinary entrances there are still large boxes screwed to the floor or wall from Soviet times. They are also locked away from freebie lovers. It’s just that it’s always cooler in the entrance than in the apartment. And potatoes are perfectly stored there.

Advice. Periodically sort through the potatoes in the box and open it to ventilate. This way you will notice in time that the tubers are sick or starting to rot.

Potatoes under the window - it's like

Naturally, not in a string bag on the street. Exactly in the apartment. Many people remember that in houses built during the Khrushchev era, there was a kind of refrigerator under the kitchen window. That is, a cabinet with a ventilation hole. Of course, it is not very large, but you can fit about a bag of potatoes.

In some houses built in the late 70s, this niche is much larger. You can already stuff 2 bags into it. A refrigerator is approximately the same size in modern buildings.

Previously, it was impossible to regulate ventilation and cooling, and the weather itself set the temperature in the refrigerator. Some of the heat came from the apartment, and it turned out quite tolerable. But in severe frosts, the vegetables froze.

Modern window-sill refrigerators can be partially adjusted in terms of ventilation and temperature. This is done using a special valve.

Advice. In winter, cover the vent, otherwise the potatoes will freeze and become sweet. Not critical, but not at all tasty.

Potatoes in a simple refrigerator

Absolutely all sources state very categorically: potatoes cannot be stored in a household refrigerator! And they give ironclad arguments. At a temperature of +4-5°C, the starch in the tubers turns into sugar. They become sweetish.

What are you saying! Is it true? This means that in a cellar or basement this temperature suits potatoes. No sugar is formed. And what’s in the refrigerator... I wonder what such a statement is based on and why everyone, like parrots, repeats this utter nonsense? At least think about it before making recommendations.

Read on. High level The humidity inside will cause the potatoes to begin to rot very quickly. We've arrived. The average cellar has an air humidity of about 80%. About the same amount in an old-made device. Where's the catch?

Almost all new units are equipped with a “but frost” system. Consequently, the humidity inside is very low. People there even manage to dry greens. The potatoes, even if they want to rot, simply won’t have time. It will dry faster.

What is your answer, fellow advisers?

Let's summarize. You can store potatoes in a household electric refrigerator until spring. The only drawback is little space. Well, in fact, you won’t fill it to capacity with tubers.

Although, if you have a place to put a second unit and the means to purchase it, then this may well be the solution for you.

1. For any method of storing potatoes in an apartment, do not use plastic or cellophane bags. Any vegetables and fruits do not sit well in such material. But burlap and ordinary nets have proven themselves very well.
2. There are sources on the Internet who claim that early potatoes are stored only until November. They say that then it withers and dries up. Strange, but then what about the planting material? In spring, where to get early potatoes? What nonsense. All varieties are preserved quite well at temperatures no higher than +3°C. The tubers remain elastic and dense until next summer. But increasing the temperature even by 1 degree sharply reduces the shelf life of vegetables.
3. Sometimes apartments have unheated storage rooms. Of course, it’s not basement temperature, but it’s still cooler than in the rooms. Potatoes in the pantry can be stored until January, but the humidity there is too low. To prevent the tubers from wilting longer, simply place containers of water in the pantry along with the harvest. Or they hang wet towels, which moisturize as they dry.
4. When using any of the described storage methods, do not forget - complete darkness is strictly required. Even periodic exposure to the sun on the tubers causes them to gradually turn green. You can no longer eat such vegetables.
5. To prevent potatoes from germinating longer, they are sometimes sprayed with special preparations. But we recommend treating only planting material in this way. Edible potatoes It is not worth subjecting it to such processing. Really, there’s no point in putting any rubbish in your mouth. And so there is a lot of chemistry all around.
6. Most often it is advised not to wash potatoes before storing them. But no one gives any justification for this. Why not wash? What does it give? You can wash the potatoes, but you can’t rub them as hard as you can. That's all the explanation. Do not damage the skin for better storage. And wash as much as you like.

How to store potatoes in an apartment? Now you know the most common and available methods. Use them to preserve crops during the cold winter months. If you won’t be able to implement any of the proposed solutions, then look for your own alternative methods. Maybe many city residents will adopt your know-how and thank you later.

Video: potatoes for the winter - what affects their preservation