Uncooked potatoes typically last from 1 week to a few months depending on storage conditions. When stored in a cool, dark, and dry place around 50°F (10°C), such as a pantry or root cellar, they can last 2 to 3 months. At room temperature (around 68°F/20°C), their shelf life shortens to about 1 to 2 weeks before they start to sprout, wrinkle, or rot
. Different types of potatoes have slightly different shelf lives under optimal conditions:
- Russet potatoes: about 3 to 5 months
- Yukon Gold potatoes: about 2 to 3 months
- Red potatoes and fingerlings: about 1 to 2 months due to higher moisture and thinner skin
Once cooked, potatoes should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 10 to 12 months, although freezing may affect texture and quality, especially for mashed potatoes
. Storing potatoes in the refrigerator raw is generally not recommended because the cold converts starch into sugar, causing a sweet taste and discoloration when cooked
. In summary:
- Raw potatoes: 2–3 months in cool storage, 1–2 weeks at room temperature
- Cooked potatoes: 3–4 days refrigerated, up to 1 year frozen
- Avoid refrigeration for raw potatoes to maintain taste and quality