It is all in the thread title.
Your potatoes seem to be close kin to mineI have had Stokes sweet potatoes last dang near forever. I don't know if "Stokes" is a type of sweet potato, or a brand name. I just know that in our local stores, most have a label stuck to them that says Stokes. They are purple inside.
Our regular potatoes seem to turn into squid monsters if we ignore them for too long. We try to store potatoes where we walk by and see them often. Otherwise we forget they are there until one reaches out and grabs you with a tentacle.
Plus it's cooler when harvest takes place. I think heat is as big a factor as timeThe key to get potatoes to last well through winter is to grow a summer crop for fall harvest. It means shorter storage times.
I have had Stokes sweet potatoes last dang near forever. I don't know if "Stokes" is a type of sweet potato, or a brand name. I just know that in our local stores, most have a label stuck to them that says Stokes. They are purple inside.
Our regular potatoes seem to turn into squid monsters if we ignore them for too long. We try to store potatoes where we walk by and see them often. Otherwise we forget they are there until one reaches out and grabs you with a tentacle.
I agree, Red Pontiac has done well for us also.Based on personal experience, Yukon Golds store better than any of the dozen varieties I have tried. Mine last from harvest until early May if I can keep them at about 52 degrees. Alaska Mill and Feed has a lot of knowledge on this, as does the agricultural extension. I recall specifically getting the Yukon Golds based on Alaska Mill and Feeds recommendation on yield, taste and storage. This variety got the high marks on all three.
I agree, Red Pontiac has done well for us also.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/tips-keeping-harvested-potatoes-fresh
Good article. Some i already do, such as crop rotation, picking bugs, mulching. But the beneficial insects sound like a decent idea too.Organic Colorado Potato Beetle Control
https://www.motherearthnews.com/org...8Ex6aikLJuPTyGbORUs0z_v9No-2Al71OFBUOCnLyRw1g
I currently have no interest in this, based on finding a substantial amount of "Instant Mashed Potatoes", in a reserve fall'back cabin, (that were several years beyond best by date) I have ordered many cases of survival instant mashed potatoes. I am too old for gardening. And moose and bear density is such that without super high strong fencing it is pointless.@Sourdough, I'm wondering about your purpose in this post. Are you wanting potatoes to save to plant and grow for the next year? Or just for eating? I think in a food storage situation and long term self sufficiency situation, potatoes would be an easier thing to grow than grains. A single person could more easily grow their own potatoes without a lot of additional and specialized equipment, like a person would need to grow things like dent corn, wheat, oats, etc.
I remember my grandparents talking about storing things over the winter. Things like carrots were stored in barrels in sand. I wonder if for long term storage if that might extend the storage life of potatoes, and reduce the shriveling up that we see with potatoes that are old and sprouting roots? I have also wondered about growing a 5 gallon bucket or two of potatoes in my house over winter, for the purpose of having something to plant outdoors in the spring.
Then your interest is in having fresh potatoes?I currently have no interest in this, based on finding a substantial amount of "Instant Mashed Potatoes", in a reserve fall'back cabin, (that were several years beyond best by date) I have ordered many cases of survival instant mashed potatoes. I am too old for gardening. And moose and bear density is such that without super high strong fencing it is pointless.
I buy canned potatoes and use them in soups or drain and fry them. I've thought about mashing them but haven't tried that yet.. . . More recently I have been buying canned potatoes. I have read on here that some people do not like the taste of canned potatoes . . .
Thank you for the tips. I only bought canned potatoes once before, many years ago, until recently, but always used fresh potatoes instead. I do not eat many potatoes, really, only a couple times a year now, for special meals, but I think that canned potatoes are a great addition to my food storage, so it one of the things I'm working on stocking up on. Like rice, add whatever might be available for a meal. They can be very versatile, imho.I buy canned potatoes and use them in soups or drain and fry them. I've thought about mashing them but haven't tried that yet.
I also keep the dried scalloped and au gratin potatoes. I finally learned to make them by the directions then let them sit about half an hour before putting them in the oven. They seem to turn out better if they rehydrate before baking.
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