How to Properly Store Potatoes: Tips to Prevent Rot

Storing potatoes may seem like a simple task, but even experienced hosts face issues with bulb rot and unpleasant odors. Experts emphasize that proper care for the harvest begins during cultivation and continues until consumption.

This is reported by AgroReview

“Specialists stress that the fight for quality potatoes starts in the field and ends on the plate.”

Preparing Potatoes for Storage: The “Healing” Period

The main factors causing potato rot are excessive moisture and pathogens that become active immediately after harvesting. Experts recommend thoroughly drying the bulbs in the shade outdoors after digging them up. This helps strengthen the skin and heal small damages that occur during harvesting. This so-called “healing” stage lasts several weeks and is extremely important for preserving the harvest.

If this step is ignored and wet potatoes are stored in the cellar, condensation will create an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. Additionally, at the beginning of storage, it is important to avoid sharp temperature fluctuations. Gradual cooling helps the bulbs adapt and enter a dormant state, significantly reducing the risk of rot in winter.

Optimal Microclimate and Disinfection of the Storage

An important condition for long-term potato storage is maintaining a stable temperature of 2–4°C. If the temperature is higher, the bulbs will start to sprout, “breathe,” and lose juiciness. Humidity is equally important — it should be around 85–90%. This regime is achieved by organizing quality ventilation in the storage area.

It is also essential to keep the storage area clean. Old remnants of the harvest or dirt can be sources of infections that can easily damage new supplies. Before storing the potatoes, the area must be thoroughly cleaned and, if possible, disinfected. This approach can help preserve a larger portion of the harvest until spring and avoid losses.