Should Potatoes Be Stored in the Refrigerator? Here’s What Happens When You Do

Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen—equally at home mashed with butter and cream, roasted until crisp-edged and caramelized, or fried into golden perfection. (There are at least 17 types of French fries that can make any meal better.) They are the backbone of comforting classics like shepherd's pie, potato gratin, and creamy chowders, but they also shine in light fare, from herbed potato salads to sheet-pan dinners with roasted vegetables. 

While potatoes are wonderfully adaptable on the plate, they’re far less flexible when it comes to storage. Refrigeration might seem like a smart way to extend the life of potatoes, but if you’ve been tucking your potatoes into the refrigerator, it's actually doing more harm than good. This environment is too cold for your spuds and actually compromises their flavor, texture, and safety. Here's how to store potatoes properly so they last for months and retain the flavor we know and love.

The Best Way to Store Potatoes

Regardless of how you plan to prepare them, it’s essential to store potatoes properly to keep them fresh, firm, and sprout-free. When stored correctly, whole raw potatoes can last up to four months. 

The best place to store potatoes at home is in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot, such as a pantry, cupboard, or basement. Ideally, the temperature should stay between 45°F and 50°F—cooler than room temperature but not cold enough to trigger spoilage issues. A breathable container, such as a paper bag, cardboard box, or basket, helps prevent moisture buildup while allowing air to circulate. Plastic bags, by contrast, tend to trap humidity and can encourage rot.

Avoid storing potatoes near onions, which release gases that can accelerate spoilage. Light exposure is also problematic, as it encourages greening and the development of solanine, a bitter compound that can be harmful in large quantities.

Why Happens When You Refrigerate Potatoes

While raw, uncut potatoes benefit from cool temperatures, refrigeration is simply too cold. Refrigeration doesn’t preserve potatoes—it changes them, and not for the better. When potatoes are stored below about 42°F, their starch begins converting into sugar—a process known as cold-induced sweetening. This chemical change has several consequences.

Altered Taste

The increased sugar content can make potatoes taste oddly sweet, which is particularly noticeable in preparations like mashed potatoes or baked potatoes, where their natural earthiness should shine.

Dark Discoloration

The sugars react during high-heat cooking, causing potatoes to brown excessively and develop an unappetizing dark color or blotchy brown patches.

Higher Acrylamide

Cooking refrigerated potatoes at high temperatures increases levels of acrylamide, a substance considered a potential carcinogen, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Shorter Shelf Life

Instead of lasting months in proper storage conditions, potatoes kept in the refrigerator spoil within a few weeks.

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When Refrigeration Makes Sense

There are a couple of situations where refrigerating potatoes does make sense.

Storing Peeled or Cut Potatoes

If potatoes are already peeled or cut, refrigeration is necessary to prevent bacterial growth and discoloration. Submerge the pieces completely in a bowl of cool water, cover, and store them in the refrigerator. Use within 24 hours for best quality.

That said, this method is best considered a short-term solution. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s preferable to cut potatoes just before cooking.

How to Store Cooked Potatoes

Once potatoes are cooked, they should be stored like any other prepared food. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within three to four days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.