Question: I always purchase potatoes in small bags but I use them so infrequently they become rotten in my pantry. Any suggestions in prolonging their life? Randy
Answer: When purchasing potatoes, choose ones that are firm and free of sprouts, green skin or spots. Green potatoes may contain a substance called solanine, which is bitter and can be toxic. If potatoes have turned green, trim off the green areas before using. To prevent potatoes from greening, store them in a dark, cool place that is well ventilated such as the fridge. Potato sprouts are poisonous; cut off the sprouts. Store an apple with potatoes to prevent sprouting. When a potato grows an eye it starts to shrivel. This means the potato shrinks and the outside skin gets old —just like people. Next time you see a potato growing an eye and looking up at you, take a knife and cut the eye off. The potato will not shrivel as quickly. Avoid storing potatoes with onions because; when close together, they produce gases that spoil both.
Spud tips:
— Use boiled potato water to kill weeds or to make yummy tasting gravy.
— After you drain the water from boiled and peeled potatoes, place the saucepan over low heat back onto the stove and shake the potatoes a few times. This prevents potatoes from sticking and keeps them fluffy.
— Instead of boiling potatoes for just one meal; boil additional potatoes with their jackets on. Once cooked, store them in the fridge; next time you decide to make potato casserole, potato soup or potato salad, prep. is a cinch.
— No need to throw potatoes or potato peels into the garbage, they are easy to compost. In the winter collect leftover fruits and veggies into an empty ice cream bucket and leave outside to freeze. When spring arrives; dump the contents of your buckets into your compost pile.
Re: House Smelling Fishy
Dear Reena,
Here is an answer for the lady who wants to rid her house of odour after cooking fish. After supper, put one cup of vinegar in a shallow bowl and leave on the kitchen table. In the morning the smell will be gone. It will also help to leave the kitchen window open; works for me.
— Grace
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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