Protecting potatoes in the monsoon is a challenging task. Due to not storing properly, potatoes start to rot and melt quickly, which are not even worth using. In such a situation, we are telling you some desi methods to store potatoes which have been used for years.
It would not be wrong to say that potato is the life of Indian kitchen. There will hardly be a house where potatoes are not used. However, it becomes a major challenge to protect potatoes from rotting and sprouting during the rain and summer season. Potatoes begin to deteriorate very quickly due to moisture and heat.
Do not worry if you want to keep the potatoes fresh and safe for a long time. The grandmother and grandmother of the house have some years old desi tips for this, which are very effective. These methods not only prevent potatoes from rotting, but also preventing sprouts. It is also easy to use these desi methods. Keep it in a dry, dry and dark place.
The most basic and important rule of storing potatoes is to always keep potatoes in such a place. Where there is cool, air comes but there is no direct light. Summer and light germination in potatoes is quick. Whereas in the dark and cold place, potatoes remain in a dormant state, which increases its shelf life.
Potatoes can be placed inside the cupboard, in a closed cabinet or in the basement. But do not make the mistake of keeping the potatoes in the fridge, the cold of the fridge converts potato starch into sugar, which changes their taste.
Keep potatoes away from onion, keep it with apple
Potatoes should always be kept away from onion. Ethylene gas emanating from onion spoils potatoes quickly and promotes germination. Instead, you can keep one or two apples with potatoes. Although ethylene gas also comes out of apples, but this gas emanating from the apple helps prevent potatoes from sprouting. It is better to keep potatoes and onions in different baskets or forged bags.
Use of newspaper or paper bag
You should use natural things like newspaper or paper bag in place of plastic bags. If you want, you can also keep jute sacks or wooden baskets. Because the plastic bags do not let the air go in and out, which causes moisture inside and the potatoes start rotting. While paper bags or newspapers absorb moisture and help keep potatoes dry.
Keep mint leaves
Fresh leaves of mint can also help prevent potatoes from sprouting. So while storing the potatoes, put some fresh mint leaves with them. In fact, mints are some compounds that can help control ethylene gas, which slows down the germination of potatoes. When the mint leaves dry up, do not forget to change them.
Press in dry soil or sand
If you are storing too much potatoes, then this old desi method is very effective. Lay a layer of dry sand, dry soil or wood in a large container or deep pot. Now place a layer of potatoes on top of it, then another layer of sand/soil and then potatoes. In this way press the potatoes layer by layer. Sand or soil does not allow potatoes to deteriorate from moisture and light.
Always keep in mind one thing, check the potatoes well before store. Any rotten or chopped potato can also spoil the rest of the potatoes. Remove such potatoes immediately.
Disclaimer: The claims made in this article are based on the information received on the Internet. NBT does not take its truth and accuracy responsibility.
