Storing Potatoes

[CanyonCreek]

Does anyone have tried-and-true methods for storing potatoes? I've read about storing in boxes filled with hay or sand -- DH wonders if kitty litter (non-scented, non-clumping) would work. We're located in the Pacific Northwest so freezing isn't as much of a problem as moisture.

[preparing]

I am storing some in my garage in boxes. I used straw. This link is the greatest. http://www.freewebs.com/kitsapfreedomgarde...bedpotatoes.htm

[Canned Nerd]

Now I have a use for all that shredded paper besides the compost.

 

[preparing]

I didn't have shredded paper, but I need to start saving.

[Canned Nerd]

Everyone is supposed to have a paper shredder. How else do we dispose of those incriminating emails we printed out?

 

[whatevergrows]

I love the dried potatoes you can get at Winco bulk section. You can get shredded or sliced. You just soak them in hot water for a few minutes and then you can eat them! I like to fry the shredded into hashbrowns and put the sliced into soups. The potatoes don't break down into mush like they can in soups.

 

Here is my Kale-sausage soup recipe:

 

Saute' onion, celery, and italian sausage. Add two hand fulls of dried sliced potatoes, cover with chicken stock. Boil about 5-10 minutes. Add a big bunch of chopped kale. Let wilt. Add half and half and serve.

 

My kids' favorite!

[Shandy]

CanyonCreek, if you find a good way to store in the Pac Northwest, let me know. I live there also, and have tried everything. We can do ok for 2-3 months, then our potatoes take a turn for the worst.

 

At this point, I'm canning them when I get more than I can store for a couple months.

 

But I'd sure like to hear from you if you find something that will work in this moist area.

[dogmom4]

I'm really getting frustrated here. I've never successfully been able to keep potatoes because they sprout so quickly. 3 1/2 weeks ago I decided to try the shredded newspaper in a box...my potatoes are beginning to show tiny sprouts. They are in the dark...not touching...in the garage area...so it's cool. What am I doing wrong?

[Juli]

The best way I know to keep them is to keep them in a tub in a cool, dark, slightly damp place. They keep for months and monhs that way. I've never used paper or sand. Sand is usally used for carrots and sweet potatoes I think.