Potatoes are not only versatile and delicious but also easy to store — if you do it correctly.
Jordan Mara, a gardening expert and operator of the Instagram page @mindandsoil, has shared a clever method for keeping potatoes fresh for months.
In a video that has garnered over 250,000 views, Mara explains: "Store your potatoes like this, and they’ll stay as good as new for three to four months."
His technique works for both home-grown and store-bought potatoes.
Step 1: Harvest and Prep
For home gardeners, the process starts with proper harvesting.
Mara recommends rinsing the potatoes thoroughly and allowing them to air dry for seven to ten days. This curing period helps form a protective skin, which is essential for long-term storage.
This was reported by the Mirror.
Step 2: The Secret Medium
The key to success lies in the storage medium. After testing various materials—sand, garden soil, and sawdust — Mara discovered that slightly moist garden soil works best.
Here’s how it’s done:
Prepare the Container: Add a 2-centimeter layer of garden soil to a container, such as a storage box or a sturdy cardboard box.
Layer the Potatoes: Place a single layer of potatoes on top, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
Cover the Potatoes: Add another 1- to 2-centimeter layer of garden soil over the potatoes.
Repeat: Continue layering soil and potatoes until the container is full.
Step 3: Storage Conditions
Store the container in a cool, dark place to prevent germination and spoilage. A basement or pantry with stable, low temperatures is ideal.
With this method, your potatoes can stay fresh for months — a game-changing trick for extending the shelf life of this kitchen staple.
