Under suitable storage conditions, potatoes can last considerably longer than a week. University of Minnesota Extension notes that properly stored potatoes can have a potential storage life measured in months, although actual home storage life varies with variety and conditions.
So if Grandma’s potatoes have been sitting out for a week, don’t panic.
Inspect them instead of judging them by the calendar.
Quick Potato Safety Checklist
Before cooking your week-old potatoes, ask:
Are they firm?
Good sign.
Do they smell normal?
Good sign.
Are they free of mold and wet rot?
Good sign.
Are they mostly their normal color rather than extensively green?
Good sign.
Are they only slightly wrinkled or beginning to sprout?
Inspect carefully and remove sprouts before preparation.
Are they very soft, moldy, rotten-smelling, leaking, or extensively green?
It’s time to throw them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to eat potatoes that have been sitting
There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.
