Potatoes are a reliable foodstuff. Aside from the wide variety of transmutative uses—enjoy them fried, mashed, in pancake form, baked, twice-baked, we could go on—the root vegetable can enjoy a months-long shelf life. But there’s a catch: to get the most time out of your sack of starch, proper storage is essential.

There’s really no excuse for wasted potatoes. When tossed, the miracle food often goes to the landfill, fated to release greenhouse gases that lend to global warming when it’s true, more delicious destiny was a place on your plate. Composting helps to minimize waste, but keeping food fresh—and actually eating it—is a superior solution. 

If you’re looking to learn how to keep your potatoes fresh, these easy steps will help them to stay in your menu rotation for months on end. Here’s how to keep your potatoes around for a long, long time. 

How to Store Potatoes: 4 Techniques That Keep Them Fresh

1. Keep in a Cool, Dark Place

Potatoes enjoy a chill (but not too chill!) environment. Between 40-45 degrees is the optimal temperature—any colder, and starches will begin to convert to sugars, which is why it’s best to avoid refrigeration.

Darkness is also crucial, as exposure to light increases the buildup of chlorophyll and solanine, an alkaloid that can be toxic. And while the terms “cool” and “dark” are usually accompanied by “dry,” in this case, humidity is a good thing—potatoes enjoy as much as 90%.

2. Store Somewhere With Airflow 

When it comes to potatoes, moisture is the enemy of freshness, so make sure that your potatoes are afforded plenty of airflow. A paper or mesh bag—or even a wooden crate— can help to ensure adequate ventilation. Breathability is key.

3. Keep Away From Onions

Though potatoes and onions are often grouped together, storing them in one place can lead to accelerated rot. The gases released by onions—more specifically, ethylene gas—can lead to overripening and sprouting.

(Note: Sprouted potatoes are generally still safe to eat, so long as they aren’t shriveled.)

4. Remove Potatoes With Rot

As with most produce, begets rot, so remove problematic potatoes from the jump. The moisture and gases released can ruin an entire batch of otherwise fresh roots.