As the debate continues on whether many food essentials should be stored in the fridge or cupboard, there is one particular item that many of us have been told to never keep in the fridge... potatoes.
Well, that has all changed! According to the Food Standards Agency's (FSA) new advice, potatoes can be now stored in the fridge or in a cool, dry place.
Previously, experts had warned consumers against storing potatoes in the fridge, because reports have highlighted the potential health risks of keeping them at low temperatures.
The FSA said the particular risk was the formation of Acrylamide, which was originally associated with the risk of developing cancer.
By storing your potatoes in the fridge, it was said that it could lead to extra sugars forming on your potatoes, which then turned into acrylamide.
Acrylamide is described by the FSA as "a chemical substance formed when starchy foods, such as potatoes and bread, are cooked at high temperatures (above 120°C)."
However, since then the FSA have reversed this guidance and encourage all consumers to now keep your spuds in the fridge...
Can I store potatoes in the fridge?
Following the new Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidance, you can now store them in the fridge.
On the FSA website, the new advice says: "A recent study, which has been reviewed by the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT), has shown that home storage of potatoes in the fridge doesn’t materially increase acrylamide forming potential when compared to storage in a cool, dark place.
“So, if you wish to help avoid food waste, you can choose to store either in the fridge or in a cool, dark place.”
Do potatoes last longer in the fridge or on the counter?
Continuing on from the FSA guidance, it's suggested that both are equally ok — it's down to your preference and space in the fridge.
However, if you're looking to preserve your spuds a bit longer, the advice suggests that the fridge is a great way to avoid any food waste.
Can potatoes be frozen?
On the FSA website, the advice follows: "You can freeze cooked or parboiled potatoes which have been boiled for 5 minutes.
"Leftover cooked potatoes can also be frozen. You can roast boiled potatoes straight from the freezer, make sure they are steaming hot all the way through. Put them in the oven with a little oil to crisp up."
Can you eat potatoes once they go green and start to sprout?
The FSA suggest: "If your potatoes have sprouted, simply remove the sprouts before use. Remember to cut off any green or rotten bits before using.
"Green bits on potatoes can contain high levels of natural toxins called glycoalkaloids. High levels of glycoalkaloids can upset the digestive system and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
"However, glycoalkaloid poisoning is extremely rare, even though potatoes are eaten in very large amounts in many countries.
"To avoid high levels of glycoalkaloids being produced in potatoes, store them in a cool, dark and dry place."
Moreover, the Good Housekeeping Cookery Team recommend discarding your potatoes when they've gone green, too.
