Video tutorial: How to properly store potatoes and other root vegetables

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY
·3-min read

Root vegetables are not only delicious, but they're also incredibly versatile and can last a long time when they're stored properly. Potatoes, carrots, beets and onions are just a few of the members of the root vegetable family, so here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you get your money’s worth out of these versatile veggies.

Always start with fresh produce! Check for any bruising or mold and avoid any vegetables with sprouts growing on them. Root vegetables should be firm, so give them a squeeze before putting them in your shopping cart.

Check for dark spots when buying garlic, as they can indicate that it's already molding. For onions, make sure the skin is intact and none of the inside is showing.

Watch this video to see how to store root vegetables so they last longer.

How to store root vegetables

You don’t need a specialty storage container for your root vegetables. Of course, you can use these if you want to, but a woven basket or storage container is just as efficient, as long as they have a lot of perforations to allow airflow.

Ideally, the best place to store the container of root vegetables is in a cool dark place and in a container that blocks as much light as possible. If you’re using a basket or something similar, line the bottom with a towel, put the root vegetables in and then cover with another towel.

If you’re low on countertop or pantry space, use a hanging mesh bag for onions or garlic. It takes up less space and often has easy ways to access and add to the vegetables inside.

Here are a few don'ts when it comes to storing root vegetables:

  • Don’t store onions and potatoes together.

  • Don’t keep them near stoves, direct sunlight or other heat sources.

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How long do potatoes last in the pantry?

According to the USDA:

  • Potatoes can be stored in the pantry for 1-2 months.

  • Onions stored in the pantry should be eaten within one month, but can last two months if they’re kept in the fridge.

  • Unbroken bulbs of garlic will last in the pantry for a month. Individual cloves should be stored in the fridge and consumed within two weeks.

For more information on how to store vegetables and more, check the USDA’s Food Keeper App.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to store potatoes (plus other root vegetables) to last longer

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