Stop Potatoes from Sprouting with This Unexpected Trick Most Ignore

The Problem with Sprouting Potatoes

Many of us have faced the age-old battle against potato sprouting. Sometimes, no matter where you put them, your potatoes seem determined to send out those telltale shoots. Both sunlight and fluorescent lights can encourage these sprouts (and even turn your potatoes green thanks to chlorophyll). But here’s the real kicker: “Light, especially sunlight, helps potatoes turn green (chlorophyll) and produce a toxic chemical called solanine. Solanine can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in sensitive individuals. Many people discard green potatoes or at least peel and cut away green areas which may be toxic.”

Keep Potatoes in the Dark (Literally!)

• Store potatoes away from sunlight and fluorescent lighting to prevent them from greening and producing solanine.
• If you spot any green patches, peel or cut them out thoroughly before cooking.

Some folks have even mentioned using dark-colored bags—like those you can find from specialty kitchen brands—to help block light. The goal: keep your potatoes cozy and out of the spotlight (Hollywood dreams must wait).

The Apple Trick Most People Ignore

Now for that unexpected tip: “Keep an apple or two in the bowl or bag with the potatoes. Apples give off a gas called ethylene which helps keep the potatoes from sprouting. Keeping an apple or apples together with your potatoes may help keep potatoes longer. (I’m trying it now and will update this post).” It’s wonderfully simple and could be just the solution your pantry needs.

So far, I haven’t had this issue because when I bought potatoes, I usually just bought 2 potatoes :-)) My husband doesn’t eat potatoes, except fries. I love the trick of the apple and look forward to your update, Judee.

I always love potatoes, and as I am on my own I buy small amounts so that they don’t sprout. The apple is a good tip, must try it! Thanks Judee! Hugs, Valerie

What Readers Are Saying

People everywhere are weighing in on the apple trick and general potato preservation wisdom:

I usually only buy potatoes when we need them, and only what we need, as we don’t eat a lot of them. I have seen potato bags for storing them that are dark material bags. from Tandy I Lavender and Lime https://tandysinclair.com

Good morning, enjoyed your post hadn’t read before not to store potatoes in the frig—I buy the tiny potatoes now and always store in the frig—so far no sprouting—thank goodness but loved the tip and recipes

This is really interesting. I think we all have issues with potato sprouting so these are excellent tips. The apple is an easy fix! I never knew about the fridge — we always kept them there (and they rarely sprouted there) but that doesn’t sound so good…

I share your frustration with sprouting potatoes — you’re right, it’s especially a problem with organic potatoes — and if adding an apple to my potato drawer means that my potatoes will last, I would gladly do that! Looking forward to learning how your experiment works out!

In Conclusion

Turns out, a humble apple could be your secret weapon for keeping potatoes fresh and sprout-free a little longer. Just remember to store your potatoes away from the light and consider giving the apple tip a shot—your next meal of fries might just thank you for it!