Potatoes last 1 to 2 months in the pantry and less in the fridge

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Whole potatoes last 1 to 2 months in the pantry, which is the storage method the USDA’s FoodKeeper recommends. Potatoes do go bad, and how long they last depends on the form they’re in. Whole, cooked, and frozen potatoes each have their own times.

The times in this guide come from the USDA’s FoodKeeper data and the FDA’s produce guidance.

How long do potatoes last?

Whole potatoes are good for 1 to 2 months in the pantry and 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Cooked potatoes last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 10 to 12 months in the freezer. The table covers the other common types.

Best way to store potatoes

Store whole potatoes in the pantry, where they keep 1 to 2 months. The USDA’s FoodKeeper names the pantry as the recommended method for whole potatoes.

Wait to wash them until right before you prepare them. Choose potatoes that aren’t bruised or damaged when you shop.

How long do potatoes last in the fridge?

Whole potatoes last 1 to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. The United States Potato Board notes that refrigeration can make potatoes darken during cooking and develop an unpleasantly sweet taste.

How to store potatoes long term

For long term storage, freeze cooked or mashed potatoes, which keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Whole potatoes keep only 1 to 2 months in the pantry.

Frozen potato products such as fries, hash browns, and tater tots keep 12 months in the freezer. Don’t refrigerate them after cooking, because the quality drops. Instant potatoes keep 10 to 15 months in the pantry, and 6 to 12 months after opening.

Can you freeze potatoes?

Yes, cooked potatoes keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer.

Food kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, so freezer times are about quality, not safety. Freezer burn leaves grayish-brown, leathery, dry spots where air reached the surface. It doesn’t make food unsafe, and you can cut those parts away before or after cooking.

Can you freeze mashed potatoes?

Yes, mashed potatoes keep 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Potato salad is the exception, because freezing isn’t recommended for it.

How long do mashed potatoes last in the fridge?

Mashed potatoes are good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, the same as any leftover cooked potatoes.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). Reheat them to 165°F (74°C), measured with a food thermometer.

Potato salad keeps a little longer, 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

How to tell if potatoes are bad

Throw away potatoes that look rotten, and cut away any damaged or bruised areas before you cook the rest.

Cooked potatoes are different, so go by the days. Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Are sprouted potatoes safe to eat?

Sprouted potatoes don’t need to be thrown out once you peel off the sprouts, the skins, and any green color, which is where the solanine concentrates.

Solanine is a glycoalkaloid. Potatoes with a high concentration of it taste bitter and can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.

Are green potatoes dangerous?

You don’t need to throw out green potatoes, but it’s best not to eat the green part. Peel off the skins, the sprouts, and any green color.

Light turns potatoes green. The green is chlorophyll, a harmless compound, but greening usually comes with more solanine. Store potatoes away from light.

Can you eat sprouted potatoes?

You can eat sprouted potatoes after you peel off the sprouts, the skins, and any green color, so you don’t need to throw them out. The USDA gives this advice in its answer on green potatoes.

How to wash potatoes

Scrub potatoes with a clean vegetable brush under plain running water right before you prepare them. Skip soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them.

Dry the potatoes with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.