Q. Is it ok to store Idaho® potatoes in the refrigerator?
A. Wrong! You should always to store Idaho® potatoes in a cool, dark and well ventilated place. They will keep about a week at room temperature and for several weeks at 45 to 50°F.
However, refrigerator temperatures are too low. This converts the potato’s starch into sugar, resulting in a sweet taste. The extra sugar also causes potatoes to darken prematurely while frying. (This process can sometimes be reversed by storing the potatoes at room temperature for a week to 10 days.) If potatoes have green patches, cut them off, as they have been exposed too long to direct lighting and will have a faintly bitter taste. The rest of the potato will taste fine.
Potatoes are still alive when they are picked, so they should be kept in a cool area, away from the light. A cellar is ideal, but any place where they won’t be exposed to excessive heat or light will help prevent spoiling.
Q. I know this is an odd question, but on E-Bay I often see plastic Idaho® potato pins offered as historical collectible items for as much as $9.99. Same thing with a Spuddy Buddy plush toy often listed with or without a red sweater. Are these really collectibles? How many were produced?
As far as production numbers, the potato pins are typically ordered in quantities of a quarter of a million at a time… so much for rarity. The first versions of the Spuddy Buddy character were part of a promotion and 150,000 were produced. If you have one, enjoy it for the fun but don’t expect to be able to retire by saving it and selling it later.
