Grandmother's Trick: Use Apples to Stop Potatoes Sprouting

A traditional method passed down through generations offers a simple solution to a common kitchen problem: sprouting potatoes. Večernji List reports that storing potatoes with a few apples can significantly extend their shelf life and prevent them from sprouting.

The science behind this trick lies in the ethylene gas naturally released by apples. This plant hormone acts as a natural ripening agent, but when used in storage with potatoes, it surprisingly slows down their sprouting process. The article advises that this method, combined with keeping potatoes in a cool, dry place (but not the refrigerator), is key to maintaining their freshness.

Further advice includes cutting away any small sprouts if they appear and discarding potatoes with extensive sprouting, as increased levels of solanine, a natural compound, can be harmful in large quantities. Crucially, potatoes should never be washed before storage, as moisture encourages sprouting. Removing any damaged or rotten potatoes from the batch is also recommended to prevent spoilage from spreading.

This 'grandmother's trick' emphasizes the effectiveness of using natural elements for food preservation. By understanding and utilizing the properties of common fruits like apples, consumers can reduce food waste and ensure their potatoes remain ready for use in meals, highlighting a sustainable approach to kitchen management.

“

Jabuke. Možda se pitate zašto jabuke, ali one ispuštaju plin etilen, prirodni biljni hormon koji usporava proces zrenja i nicanja krumpira.