The Lifespan of Potatoes: How Long Does Potatoes Last?
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 30, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 30, 2024Table of Contents
Did you know there’s more to a potato than you think? They are not just tasty, but also rich in nutrients. Like all foods, potatoes have a shelf life. Wondering how long they stay fresh? Let’s dive in! We will discuss vital nutrients in potatoes, their lifespan under various conditions, and how to spot spoilage. We’ll also compare fresh and sprouted potatoes, look at health risks, and share some storage tips.
Did you know?
Packed with key nutrients, potatoes support your body’s functions. Here’s what this food has to offer:
Potatoes have proteins. What are the benefits? They’re good for muscle building, sharpening up your metabolism, and aiding your immune system.
Vitamins work like spark plugs for our body, and guess what? Potatoes are full of them! B vitamins help with energy while vitamin C is an antioxidant.
Another name for carbohydrates? Energy! Potatoes have them and they fuel our everyday tasks, workouts and much more.
There’s more to potatoes! They also contain vital minerals. These include potassium and iron which maintain cell fluid balance and transport oxygen, respectively.
One might wonder: How long can potatoes be stored? This depends on whether the potato is raw or cooked.
Raw potatoes last for one to two weeks at room temp. However, in cooler storage like a pantry, they’re good for a few months.
In contrast, cooked potatoes remain good for four days in the fridge. If frozen, this extends to a year, but freezing can affect mashed potatoes’ taste.
Raw and cooked potatoes in the fridge last differently. While raw potatoes are not suggested for refrigeration, cooked ones can be stored for several days when fridged correctly.
Based on my experience, I have observed that potatoes are not only a starchy food but also a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They contain a significant amount of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and may help manage scurvy. Including potatoes in your diet in moderation can provide these essential nutrients and contribute to tasty and nutritious meals.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
How can you tell when to toss a potato? Let’s learn the signs:
Bad potatoes have bruises, black marks, or other flaws. Other red flags are green streaks or mould blotches on cooked ones.
If there is any fuzz or dark spots in various colours that is mould, remove the potato having mould.
A musty or mouldy smell says the potato isn’t good. Even if it looks healthy, a foul odour might mean rotting or internal mould.
If a potato turns soft or mushy, it’s spoiled. Changes in texture, particularly after cooking, could signal harmful bacteria growth.
Both raw and cooked potatoes gone bad taste bitter or unusually sweet.
Also Read: Can You Freeze Potatoes? A Science-Based Guide to Safe Food Storage
The lifespan of fresh whole potatoes and sprouted ones differ.
Fresh whole potatoes can keep for weeks to months if stored well.
Safe to eat sprouted potatoes? Depends on the sprout size. Small sprouts are typically safe after removal. Long sprouts host toxins that can cause health problems.
Small sprouted potatoes? You can eat them if you remove the sprouts. Don’t forget to remove any green parts!
In my experience, I have observed that potatoes are an affordable and rich source of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including heart health and nerve function. A medium-sized potato weighing around 5.3 ounces can provide you with approximately 620 milligrams of potassium, making it a valuable addition to your diet for maintaining a healthy potassium balance when coupled with other potassium sources.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Eating spoiled potatoes can pose health risks. Let’s look at the details:
Spoiled cooked potatoes could cause food poisoning. They can host harmful bacteria resulting in uncomfortable tummy troubles.
Sprouted potatoes can build up toxic compounds. These potentially cause nervous and stomach problems.
Eat a rotten potato and you might trigger an allergic reaction. These can range from minor to severe.
Rotten potatoes could even cause skin reactions. These could be itchy and inflamed.
Also Read: Unlocking The Health Benefits Of Purple Potatoes
A few smart storage techniques can extend potatoes’ lifespan.
Raw potatoes do well in cool, dark, dry places like pantries.
Remember to store raw potatoes in open containers like boxes or bags with tiny holes. Avoid air-tight bags or pots.
Keep your potatoes apart from other fruits and veggies. This reduces exposure to gases that could speed up sprouting or rot.
Wrapping up, potatoes are nutritious food items enjoyed by many. Beyond being delectable and versatile, they have a decent lifespan if stored right. So, keep an eye out for the signs of bad potatoes and always stay cautious about health issues. Storing them well means they last longer. Consuming potatoes fresh is usually the healthiest way.
These signs tell a potato has gone bad: mould, green parts, sprouts, musty smell, softness or mushiness, and odd tastes.
No, it’s not safe! Over time, old potatoes build up harmful bacteria and toxic elements that pose risks to your health.
Potatoes have gone bad if they show visible signs such as mould, green parts, sprouts, soft or mushy texture, musty smell, or changed taste.
Yes, they can! Freshly harvested potatoes can stay fresh for up to six months if kept in a good condition like cool, dark, dry places such as a root cellar or pantry.
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