There’s nothing worse than reaching for your potatoes only to find them sprouting or turning soft way too soon. And if you’ve been storing them next to apples, that might be the culprit. Yep, these two fall favorites should not be bunkmates in your pantry—unless you want a mushy, sprouty mess on your hands.
Why Apples and Potatoes Don’t Mix
Both apples and potatoes release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that speeds up ripening (and, in the case of potatoes, sprouting). When stored together, they basically gas each other up—literally. Apples are especially heavy ethylene producers, which means they’ll make your potatoes go bad faster than you can say "mashed potatoes."
Onions are another sneaky offender. They also emit ethylene and are often stored near potatoes, which is a big no-no if you want your spuds to last.
The Right Way to Store Potatoes
To keep your potatoes fresh and firm for weeks (or even months), follow these storage tips:
If you don’t have a root cellar (who does these days?), a cool, dark corner of your kitchen will do the trick.
How to Store Apples for Maximum Freshness
Apples love the cold, so your fridge is their best friend. Here’s how to keep them crisp and juicy:
Pro tip: If you’ve got a big haul of apples, you can even store them in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge to maintain humidity without trapping too much moisture.
The Bottom Line
Storing produce properly isn’t just about organization—it’s about making your groceries last longer (and saving money in the long run). So keep those apples and potatoes in separate corners of your kitchen, and you’ll avoid premature sprouting, mushiness, and wasted food.
