It's hard to imagine life without potatoes. Whether you fry 'em, bake 'em, mash 'em, or turn them into your favorite —the best can be cooked any which way. And if you know a thing or two about potatoes, you might already be aware that the spuds have a pretty long shelf life, so they're great to keep on hand. But how long do potatoes last? And how should you store potatoes, anyway?

Here, we're breaking down the dos and don'ts of storage so you can keep potatoes fresh for longer! After all, there's nothing worse than having a hankering for Ree Drummond's favorite crispy only to find that your spuds are green and sprouted.

If you know how to store potatoes, you can extend their shelf life for as long as possible. (Bonus: Storing them properly helps retain their vitamin content, too!)

Whether you're or stocking up at the supermarket, go ahead and follow the tips below for how to store them at home. Just a reminder: these tips are for whole, uncooked potatoes. Leftover cooked potatoes should be stored in the fridge and eaten within three to four days.

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What is the best way to store potatoes?

Potatoes don't need much! The best way to ensure your potatoes keep for as long as possible is to pick fresh ones to begin with.

Do a quick check when you're at the store to make sure they're free of bruises and sprouts, and are firm and smooth to the touch. Then keep them in a cool, dry place away from light, like a dark corner of the kitchen or in a cabinet. Also keep them well ventilated and away from other fruits (like bananas or onions) that can cause them to spoil faster.

How do you prevent sprouting?

Whatever you do, don't store potatoes in a sealed container! Avoid closed containers like resealable plastic bags or airtight storage containers—they'll trap moisture and will cause the potatoes to mold, sprout, or spoil faster.

You can easily store them in a paper bag or in an open bowl or basket. Or, you can invest in a potato keeper like with its rounded holes promote proper airflow. Again, just make sure the potatoes aren't too crowded—they need air! It's important to keep potatoes dry when storing, so don't wash them until you're ready to use them.

The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossoms Potato Keeper

The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossoms Potato Keeper

Do potatoes last longer in the fridge or on the counter?

Potatoes are best kept around 45 to 50 degrees, which means they shouldn't be stored in the fridge or freezer. The best place to store them for maximum shelf life is a cool basement or garage—as long as it's dry.

That's not always practical, so if you store potatoes in the kitchen, keep them away from the stove or the heater.

How long can you store fresh potatoes?

Kept in a cool, dark place (around 45 to 50 degrees), potatoes will likely last up to three months! At room temperature (around 68 degrees), you can store your potatoes for about two weeks. What are the signs a potato has gone bad, you might be wondering? It's a good question, since sometimes you can't remember when you bought them last. Just use your senses! If you see sprouting, mold, or green parts or if they smell musty, chuck them in the garbage. If the outsides look fine, give them a squeeze. If they are soft or mushy or the skin is wrinkled, they're past their prime.