The 'best' way to store potatoes to 'prolong shelf life' and stop them from rotting
How potatoes are stored affects how long they last
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Where Britons decide to store foods can make a big difference on how long it lasts.
An expert has shared the best way to store potatoes to keep them fresher for longer.
Food expert and founder of The Full Freezer Kate Hall explained there was once concern over whether it was safe to keep potatoes in the fridge.
However, now it is clear keeping potatoes in the fridge will prolong shelf life.
Britons should not wash potatoes before storing in the fridge
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She said: “Previously it was said we shouldn’t keep potatoes in the fridge as there were concerns that this could lead to extra sugars in the potatoes, which then turn to acrylamide when cooked.
"This is a substance that has been linked with the risk of developing cancer.
"But a study by the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) proved that these concerns were unfounded, and so the fridge is the best place to keep your spuds.”
Before putting the produce away, it is important to make sure they are free from moisture.
Moisture can make them go off more quickly so it is best to hold off washing potatoes until they are about to be eaten.
Food safety expert Sylvia Anderson added: “Moisture can cause potatoes to rot, so it’s essential to keep them dry.
"Wipe off any dirt before storing them and avoid washing them until you’re ready to use them."
Recent research by price comparison site idealo.co.uk found a third of the population store essential food items incorrectly, slashing how long they will last.
It showed 80 per cent of people don't know how to store potatoes correctly.
Keeping potatoes away from certain other fresh produce is also a good hack to make them last longer.
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Keeping potatoes in the fridge will help them last longer
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Sylvia said: "Keep potatoes separate from onions, apples, and some other ethylene-sensitive produce to prolong their shelf life.”
Fruits and vegetables are often best kept in the fridge if trying to keep them fresh.
Bananas are a fruit that is often left out in a fruit bowl.
However, the experts stated they are best kept in the fridge once they are ripe.