Potatoes continue to have a life cycle even after being dug up from the ground, therefore appropriate ventilation is critical if they are to have a lengthy shelf life. This is something that farmers are well aware of.
Potatoes will sprout if stored at warm temperatures for an extended period of time; yet, they will wither if stored in a dry environment. A good balance is crucial in most facets of life.
When storing potatoes, it is important to remember the three priorities. Dry potatoes are best stored in a cool, dark environment. Microwave potato should be microwaved on high for just 3 minutes, or until they are soft. Do not overcook them or they will become tough.
Whether farmers prefer to keep their potatoes in bulk bags, standard storage bins, or massive structures, three critical elements must be kept in mind in order to store, ship, and deliver outstanding potatoes.
1. Make The Environment Look Like It’s From Nature
Potatoes emerge from dormancy beneath the soil, in the frigid, dark atmosphere. Potatoes must be stored in the proper conditions after being harvested in order for their freshness to be preserved. Moisture is hazardous to fresh potatoes and should be avoided at all costs, thus airflow is critical. Even though potatoes grow beneath the soil’s surface, dirt clods left on potatoes after harvesting can impair airflow between stored potatoes and create pockets of moisture or heat that promote rotting. It is critical to check the ventilation, temperature, and humidity levels in your potato storage to avoid having too much moisture or having them become too dry.
2. Keep Pests And Pathogens At Bay
When it comes to preserving potatoes, there are particular features of a natural setting that you should avoid at all costs. Insects and diseases should be at the top of that list of things to avoid. If your potato stock comes into contact with birds, rats, or insects, it may become infected with bacteria, mold, and fungi. These pests can also transmit disease. If you keep all of your stuff in one place, you may jeopardize a big chunk of your harvest. Although keeping potatoes in smaller containers takes more time, it reduces the possibility that a pest or microbe could harm a significant amount of your crop and lead you to lose money.
Because diseases can be introduced during the storage process as well as during domestic or international shipping operations, it is critical to monitor your product’s safety at every stage of the supply chain. Pest inspections should be undertaken on a regular basis, as should examinations of structures for cracks and gaps that could allow pests entry.
3. Keep Their Eye-Catching Color
Even if there is always the chance of your goods being spoiled by undesired insects or diseases, it is critical that the climate in which you store your potatoes does not cause them to become undesirable colors. If the storage conditions are not ideal, discoloration can develop in any variety of potatoes; however, the color of the potato will naturally vary based on the type of potato grown.
Controlling the amount of light and the temperature can help you avoid solar and freezing damage to your crops. This will keep the crops from discoloring, preserving their aesthetic appeal. A decent ventilation system will keep the temperature stable, and well-planned storage will keep light away from the potatoes, preventing them from sprouting and turning green.
