Fruit and vegetables

Potatoes: what they are, how to pick and store them

Starchy russets bake and mash light and fluffy; waxy red and Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape in soups, salads and roasting pans.

How to pick them

Firm potatoes with no green patches, sprouts or soft, wrinkled spots.

Usually at their best from August to November: see potatoes in season.

How to store them

Keep them in a cool, dark, airy place (not the fridge and not sealed in plastic), away from onions. Cut away any green parts and sprouts before cooking.

Recipes with potatoes (23)

More recipes with potatoes

More fruit and vegetables

GarlicOnionsLemonsGreen onionsCarrotsGingerLimesCeleryBell peppersTomatoesAll 60 ingredient guides

Pick and store tips are in our own words. Storage times and safe temperatures are only shown where a U.S. government source gives them, named on each line; for anything not listed here, see USDA's FoodKeeper app.