How Are Potatoes Stored? An Introduction to Several Common Methods

Potatoes combine the nutrition of grains, vegetables and fruits, and they store even better, with wide adaptability and distribution throughout the world. So how are potatoes stored? What methods are there?

1. What are the main potato varieties in China?

1. Fresh-eating and export varieties

Zhongshu No. 3, early-maturing, can be harvested 60 days after emergence; Zhongshu No. 5, early-maturing, can be harvested 60 days after emergence; Dongnong 303, very early-maturing, matures 55-60 days after emergence; Favorita, early-maturing, about 60 days from emergence to maturity; Kexin No. 1, mid-maturing, the growing period from emergence to harvest is about 95 days.

2. High-starch varieties

Xishu No. 1, mid-early maturing, growing period 80 days from emergence to maturity; Jinshu No. 2, mid-maturing, growing period about 95 days from emergence to maturity.

3. Varieties for fried food processing and dual-purpose fresh eating

Atlantic, mid-maturing, growing period about 90 days from emergence to maturity; Shepody, mid-maturing, growing period about 95 days from emergence to maturity.

4. Varieties with relatively large planting areas

Mira, Weishu No. 1, Qingshu 168, Jinshu No. 7, Bashu No. 10, Longshu No. 3, Dongnong 303, Kexin No. 4, Weiyu No. 3, etc.

2. How are potatoes stored? What methods are there?

1. Trench storage of potatoes

Potatoes harvested in mid-July are pre-stored in a shade shed or empty room until October, when they are put into trenches for storage. The trench is 1-1.2 m deep and 1-1.5 m wide, with no limit on length. The tuber layer is 40-50 cm thick, and can reach 70-80 cm in cold regions. Cover with soil on top for insulation, adding coverage in stages as the temperature drops. The pile of potatoes in the trench must not be too high. Otherwise, the temperature at the bottom and middle of the trench tends to be too high, and the heated tubers will rot.

2. Cellar storage of potatoes

Using well cellars or cave cellars to store potatoes, each cellar can store 3000-3500 kg. Since only the cellar opening is used for ventilation to regulate temperature, the insulation effect is relatively good. However, it is not easy to lower the temperature in the early stage after being put into the cellar, so the potatoes must not be loaded too full, and attention should be paid to opening and closing the cellar opening. As long as management is proper, the storage effect for potatoes is very good. When using a shed cellar for storage, the covering layer on top of the cellar should be thickened and the cellar body deepened to avoid frost damage. The height of the potato pile in the cellar should not exceed 1.5 m; otherwise, it is prone to heating in the early stage after being put into the cellar, causing sprouting and rotting.

3. Cold storage of potatoes

Transferring potatoes to a cold storage facility after their dormancy period ends can better control sprouting and water loss. In the cold storage, they can be stored in piles or packed in boxes and stacked. Keep the temperature at 3-5°C and the relative humidity at 85%-90%.

4. Radiation treatment of potatoes

Irradiating potatoes with 8-15 kRr-rays has an obvious sprout-inhibiting effect, and irradiated potatoes can be stored well for several months at room temperature.

5. Methyl naphthalene acetate treatment method for potatoes

Dissolve 150 grams of methyl naphthalene acetate at a concentration of 98% in 300 grams of acetone or alcohol, mix into 10 to 12.5 kg of fine soil, and evenly sprinkle it on the potato tubers. After the potatoes are piled loosely or boxed, cover them with a layer of newspaper or burlap.

6. Sprout inhibitor treatment method for potatoes

Spray the plants with 0.25% maleic hydrazide 7 days before harvest; if rain occurs within 24 hours, spray once more. After this treatment, store by conventional methods.

7. Spice preservation method for potatoes

Spices such as almonds, cinnamon, cumin, peppermint oil and thyme can make food more delicious, and the latest experimental results show that they can also keep potatoes fresh.

8. Jasmine essence storage method for potatoes

Methyl jasmonate, which gives jasmine its unique fresh fragrance, can be used to prevent potatoes from sprouting during winter storage. It also has an advantage: it does not hinder the wound healing of potatoes injured at harvest, and it does not leave any odor.