Potatoes will stay fresh for months longer without rotting if stored in one key area

As the balmy days of summer fade, culinarians everywhere are gearing up for the hearty pleasure of stews, soups, and casseroles. Much-loved comfort food that often puts potatoes in the starring role.

But how do you keep these versatile veggies from prematurely sprouting? Karen Lamar, a storage guru from Organic Cottonmart, unveils a common storage faux pas keeping potatoes on the kitchen counter near other vegetables . She explains: "When it comes to long-term storage, onions and potatoes outlast many others. So, why not just store them together in the same place? Well, that might not exactly work because onions release ethylene gas, which causes potatoes to sprout."

Ethylene, a plant hormone that aids in the ripening process , is emitted in spades by onions, garlic, and tomatoes alike not ideal companions for your spuds if you want to avoid early sprouting and a damp-induced mold frenzy, reports the Express . To extend the life and freshness of your potatoes, Lamar suggests banishing them to the cool solitude of a dark drawer or cupboard. She cautions against light exposure: "It's a good idea to keep the potatoes as far from sunlight as possible. Too much light can trigger greening, tricking the tubers into producing chlorophyll."

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With those kernels of wisdom, your beloved potatoes can outlive their shelf-life expectations, ensuring your favorite dishes remain flawlessly delicious for when the chills creep in.

"Greening makes potatoes bitter and high in solanine - a neurotoxin. Such potatoes are best avoided."

"It's equally important to steer clear of places with high moisture to save your stock from sprouting and rotting. The solution? A dry, dark spot such as your basement, cellar, pantry, or an out-of-the-way kitchen nook."

Once the ideal hideout for your spuds is scouted in the kitchen, its time to liberate them from any suffocating plastic shroud and let them chill in a breezy basket or bowl.

Karen mentioned, "Good ventilation is crucial for keeping your potato stash fresh for longer. Lack of airflow can cause potatoes to accumulate moisture and spoil quickly from the growth of mold and bacteria."

Nestling potatoes in open paper bags, mesh sacks, or a fabric tote will act as a guardian against dampness, forestalling the dread of moldy makeovers or untimely sprouting.

A properly pampered potato can linger in its prime for a nifty two to three months beyond their usual span, offering an eco-friendly edge by slashing food wastage and sparing your wallet from unnecessary grocery grabs.