How to Keep Potatoes Fresh for Longer, According to Chefs

Potatoes are the ultimate MVP of weeknight dinners — always ready to be mashed, roasted, or smashed into something comforting. And while they seem like the kind of ingredient you can toss into a bowl on the counter and forget about, potatoes are actually a little more finicky than we often give them credit for. One day, they’re firm and full of promise; the next, they’re sprouting mysterious antennae and turning a shade of green that is wholly unappetizing.

So, how to preserve your precious spuds? “The four enemies of potatoes are wrong temperatures, light, storing companions, and lack of ventilation,” says Chef Natalie Marble, recipe developer and longtime food professional. “With a few small adjustments, you can keep potatoes firm for weeks — even months,” says Chef RJ Harvey, CEC, RDN, Culinary Director at Potatoes USA. The key is storing them in a cool (45–55°F), dark, and dry environment, like a pantry cabinet, or in a basket tucked away from sunlight. Too much heat speeds up decay, and too much cold turns the potato’s starches into sugar and changes the flavor. Plus, you want to keep potatoes away from onions: “They each emit gases that accelerate the decay of both vegetables,” says Marble.

Below, follow the chefs’ advice and shop five smart storage solutions that’ll help keep your potatoes fresher, longer.

Chef-Approved Potato Storage Containers

• For Optimal Airflow: Amazon Basics Stackable Metal Wire Storage Basket, 2-Pack, $18, originally $19
• Fancy and Functional: StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Small Wicker Baskets, 2-Pack, $30
• Not Just for Potatoes: Organic Cotton Mart Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bags, 6-Pack, $19
• A Kitchen Storage Staple: Sorbus Stackable Storage Bins, 2-Pack, $39, originally $50
• Simple, Yet Effective: MT Products Brown Paper Bags, 100-Pack, $19

Amazon Basics Stackable Metal Wire Storage Basket, 2-Pack 

Wire baskets are a favorite among chefs because they allow for airflow, which keeps potatoes dry and firm. Elkhouri recommends storing potatoes “in a dark, well-ventilated area…to prevent moisture,” and these stackable baskets check every box. They’re easy to tuck into a pantry or cabinet, and the open design helps prevent mold and premature sprouting. Bonus: They stack, meaning more storage while taking up less space.

StorageWorks Water Hyacinth Small Wicker Baskets, 2-Pack

If your kitchen gets a lot of natural light, a basket that offers some shielding is ideal. Marble uses a similar wicker system at home: “I find that my potatoes last two to three months on average stored this way,” she says. These woven baskets are made from durable, recyclable paper rope, and allow airflow while keeping potatoes in a darker environment. This ultimately helps prevent greening and sprouting.

Organic Cotton Mart Reusable Cotton Mesh Produce Bags, 6-Pack

If you prefer to store potatoes inside cabinets or drawers, these breathable cotton mesh bags are a great low-cost solution. Harvey notes potatoes “should be stored in a breathable bin, basket, or loose paper bag,” and these bags work well. There’s no plastic, sweating, or premature spoiling. Bonus: They’re washable and reusable for other non-potato produce.

Sorbus Stackable Storage Bins, 2-Pack

For anyone who buys potatoes in bulk, these oversized stacking bins offer serious kitchen storage space. Their open design encourages airflow, and their front-facing drop panels make it easy to grab what you need without disturbing the rest of the batch.

MT Products Brown Paper Bags, 100-Pack

Sometimes the simplest solution can work the best. A classic brown paper lunch bag gives potatoes the airflow they need while keeping them grouped and protected. Elkhouri recommends inspecting potatoes weekly and removing any that are soft or sprouting — and using bagged batches makes that easy. It’s cheap, effective, and you might already have some of these bags in your junk drawer.