Europatat has published a new consumer guide on potato storage and proper use, aimed at helping consumers better understand that potatoes are a living agricultural product whose quality, shelf life and suitability for consumption depend on how they are stored and handled at home.
While potatoes are a staple of European diets, they are often misunderstood. Incorrect storage or inappropriate use can lead to avoidable quality loss, unnecessary food waste or unsuitable consumption. The new guide provides clear and practical advice to support consumers in making informed decisions.
“Potatoes remain biologically active after harvest,” said Florimond Desprez, Chair of the Europatat Technical and Regulatory Commission. “They continue to respond to light, temperature and handling conditions. Proper storage is essential, and we wanted to provide consumers with guidelines that will allow them to eat potatoes at their best.”
The guide explains that potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. It also clarifies how consumers can evaluate potatoes before use. Potatoes that are old, heavily shrivelled or spoiled should be discarded, while green parts, sprouts or slightly damaged areas should be peeled-off or removed before cooking. The guide also advises consumers not to reuse the cooking water from unpeeled potatoes.
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According to Stijn De Pourcq, Vice-Chair of the Europatat Technical and Regulatory Commission, this guidance include all the basic, and mostly traditional, knowledge a consumer needs. “Understanding what can be peeled, what should be discarded and how potatoes behave as a natural product can only improve the consumers’ experience when eating potatoes.”
Beyond quality and safety, the guide also contributes to broader sustainability objectives by addressing one of the main causes of household potato waste: improper storage and uncertainty about usability.
“Clear information helps consumers trust their judgement,” said Romans Vorss, Europatat Director of Technical Affairs. “By explaining how to store potatoes correctly and how to recognise when they are still suitable for consumption, this guide supports food safety, reduces waste and reinforces the value of potatoes as a nutritious and sustainable food.”
The consumer guide is designed for wide dissemination, including through media, social media, retailers and educational channels, and supports ongoing efforts to improve food literacy and responsible consumption across Europe.
