Topic: Storing potatoes- hessian or paper?

[caroline7758]

Just found some of my stored potatoes are sprouting. I suspect it's due to warmth rather than light, but as they've been in a hessian sack I guess it could be either. Which is best, hessian or a thick brown paper sack from the greengrocer?

[Tee Gee]

In the past I have used paper bags as I could get them FOC from our local grain merchant, and for the last couple of years I have used Hessian bags.

Pros & Cons:

Hessian bags allow more light and air in so tubers tend to go a bit greenish but remain quite dry.

Paper bags tend to attract the damp from the atmosphere so the tubers seem to have a moist just picked feel when removed from the bag.

If any of the tubers rot then hessian bags are best because if this happens with paper bags the paper becomes wet and it won't be the first time I have picked up a bag and the bottom has dropped out of it.

So I would say it is more a case of where the bags are stored that is more important. i.e. dryness and available light.

This year I have thrown another hessian bag over the filled bags to exclude more light, and I guess it offers a bit more insulation, althouigh that is not a problem for me as I keep them in a frost free spot.

I hope that helps...Tg

[caroline7758]

Thanks, Tg, that does help. Trouble 8is I haven't really got a dry. cool place to store the. At the moment they are by the back door, but that's next to my freezer. the other options are a slightly damp cellar or garage/greenhouse , both of which tend to have little furry visitors in the winter! Maybe I should put some in each place and see what happens!

[Tee Gee]

Do you have a loft?

[caroline7758]

Yes but the hatch is above our bed so not very convenient!

[ancellsfarmer]

For the last several years, I have used paper potato sacks, freely available from your local chippy, just ask a few days ahead of your requirement,and they will open them sympathetically ie by the strings, not with a knife. Have generally turned them inside out,to minimise risk of picking up fungal spores and also to confound the cook who has been known to complain that the "maris piper" are all red!

[Tee Gee]

Yes but the hatch is above our bed so not very convenient!

How about under the bed then.😴

That's the trouble with most modern beds, you can't put anything under them🤔

Do you have a cupboard under the stairs then?🤔

[caroline7758]

Yep, it's a divan. The cupboard under the stairs is a possibility- but it'll need a good clear out to make room!

[Tee Gee]

The cupboard under the stairs is a possibility- but it'll need a good clear out to make room!

So it is a typical well used cupboard then!!!!😀

Join the club!😀