Despite being purchased from the ambient sections of supermarkets, many people tend to stash them in cupboards or dark spaces at home. However, they should be stored differently. Just like when storing bananas , research suggests refrigerating potatoes can remarkably extend their shelf life by at least six months.
Astoundingly, nearly half a million tonnes of fresh vegetables and salad, along with a quarter of a million tonnes of fresh fruit valued at an eye-watering £2.1billion, are discarded each year in UK homes for not being used timely, as reported by Love Food Hate Waste experts. Concerns previously centred around elevated levels of acrylamide – a chemical produced in starchy foods that can up cancer risk – when potatoes are chilled.
Yet, substantial scientific scrutiny has now dispelled these worries, confirming that fridge storage “doesn't actually increase acrylamide potential” when compared with room-temperature cupboard storage. This pivotal study has been scrutinised by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food , Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) and confirmed by the FSA . Consumers should nonetheless treat best-before dates and storage instructions on labels as essential guidance when it comes to potato preservation.
The charity WRAP , which runs the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, conducted a trial to test the accuracy of best-before dates and their impact on food waste. The findings revealed that best-before dates may not be a reliable me.
