Most of us buy potatoes in bulk to avoid frequent trips to the market. But within a few days, they start sprouting, softening, and half of them end up in the trash. Now, scientists say there’s a simple solution.
A new study published in the reputed science journal Heliyon found that storing potatoes with apples in the same container significantly reduces sprouting. Not just that—potatoes stored this way stay firm longer and retain their weight.
The secret lies in ethylene, a natural gas released by apples. This gas slows down the sprouting process, helping potatoes stay fresh without any chemicals.
While the apple mainly stops sprouting, it also offers another major benefit: it reduces mould and spoilage. Once potatoes begin sprouting, their starch breaks down, turning them sweet and soft—making them perfect breeding grounds for mould and microbes.
By stopping sprouting early, apples help potatoes remain stable, firm, and less prone to microbial attack—keeping them fresher for longer.
How to Use This Apple Trick? The method is simple, but a few steps ensure the best results:
Choose firm, fresh, undamaged potatoes and apples. A rotten apple can spread mould. Wipe off any dirt from the potatoes and avoid soft or green potatoes.
Place potatoes in a basket, ventilated box, or perforated bag and add one or two apples in between the potatoes. The ethylene gas does the rest.
For Best Results: Check your potatoes and apples weekly. Remove any that are soft or mouldy immediately. Replace apples if they start to rot.
Never store potatoes and onions together—the gases from onions can reduce the apple’s effectiveness. Store everything in a cool, dark, dry place for maximum freshness.