really important distinction.
A whole raw potato sitting in your pantry for a week is not governed by the same storage rules as leftover mashed potatoes sitting on the counter.
Cooked potatoes are perishable foods.
USDA guidance says cooked potatoes and other cooked vegetables can generally be kept in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
And USDA’s general food-safety guidance says perishable foods shouldn’t remain at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).
So:
Whole raw potato: different storage considerations.
Cooked potato: refrigerate promptly.
That’s a distinction worth remembering.
What About a Potato That’s a Little Wrinkly?
A little wrinkling usually means the potato has lost moisture.
It’s a quality issue rather than an automatic indication that the potato has become dangerous.
But inspect it carefully.
If it’s merely somewhat wrinkled and still firm, without mold, extensive greening, wet
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