How to Store Potatoes Properly: 7 Proven Rules for Long-Term Preservation

How to Store Potatoes Properly: 7 Proven Rules for Long-Term Preservation

Not all potato varieties are suitable for long-term storage. To minimize losses and maintain quality, it’s essential to select the right varieties, manage temperature and humidity carefully, and avoid common storage mistakes. Here are seven key rules to follow:

1. Choose the Right Variety

Not every potato is built for long storage. Opt for mid- and late-season varieties, which remain firm and fresh for several months. Early potatoes can only last until November before sprouting and shriveling, making them unsuitable for long-term storage.

2. Don’t Store Low-Quality Potatoes

Avoid placing damaged, frozen, or diseased potatoes in storage. Even a few poor-quality tubers can spoil the entire batch. Before storage: 

• Clean off dirt
• Thoroughly dry the tubers
• Sort and remove any with cuts or rot

3. Store Potatoes Separately from Other Vegetables

Potatoes release moisture and gases that can accelerate spoilage in nearby produce.
✅ Compatible crops: beets and carrots, which absorb excess humidity and protect potatoes from rot.
❌ Avoid mixing potatoes with onions, cabbage, or apples.

4. Dry and Sort Before Storage

This stage allows the tubers to stabilize and prepare for the next phases.

• Temperature: +15°C to +17°C
• Duration: up to 12 days, depending on crop condition

5. Allow the Healing Stage

During the curing period (15–18 days), potatoes naturally repair small wounds and reach optimal maturity.
Maintain:

• Temperature: +18°C to +20°C

• Humidity: 80–95%

This step is crucial to prevent decay and extend storage life.

6. Cool Potatoes Gradually for Long-Term Storage

Proper cooling slows down all biological processes.

• Optimal temperature: +3°C to +8°C, depending on variety

• Relative humidity: 95%

• Cooling rate: 0.5°C per day (or 1°C for damaged tubers)

To maintain these parameters consistently, use a climate control system such as Agrovent’s integrated microclimate technology - ensuring stable conditions throughout the entire season.

7. Warm Up Before Unloading

Before removing potatoes from storage, gradually increase the temperature to around +17°C. This prevents bruising and damage to cold tubers, which are more fragile when handled at low temperatures.

Efficient storage isn’t just about keeping potatoes cold - it’s about maintaining the right balance of temperature, humidity, and airflow.

With Agrovent’s engineered storage solutions, you can preserve up to 99% of your harvest quality, reduce losses, and improve your farm’s profitability.