LifestyleFood & DrinkFoodThere's nothing worse than opening the cupboard to find your potatoes have gone soft and started to sprout, and one YouTuber thinks they have a hack which will keep them fresher for longer09:30, 28 Jun 2026Whether you're putting together a Sunday roast or tucking into a simple baked potato at lunchtime, we repeatedly find ourselves rummaging through the fridge for this much-loved vegetable.‌Sadly, however, we're all too often met with the frustrating sight of them turning soft with shoots starting to sprout, leaving us with no choice but to make an unwelcome trip to the food recycling bin.‌Yet one content creator has suggested there could be a way to keep this tasty staple fresh for an entire year before it starts to deteriorate. While many of us regularly find ourselves in a race against time to use up potatoes before they spoil, one clever preservation method could put an end to that stress.‌YouTuber Tracy Tips believes that a simple four-step process means we can keep raw potatoes fresh and ready to eat for up to 12 months after purchasing them.To begin with, Tracy explains that you'll need a cardboard box, into which you should place dry paper, such as kitchen towel, along the bottom.‌Carrying out this step ensures that any "excess moisture is absorbed", while also protecting the potato's surface from damage.The following stage involves layering the potatoes on top of one another with kitchen towel placed in between, before it's time to "sprinkle a layer of baking powder over the surface of the potatoes".Explaining the reasoning behind using this culinary ingredient, she noted: "Using baking soda helps absorb moisture effectively and limits sprouting."‌Once the box is full, she recommended adding another layer of tissue paper, sealing the lid and keeping the vegetables in a location away from direct sunlight and moisture until they're ready to be used.While Tracy shared her advice for prolonging the life of potatoes, their shelf life can differ considerably depending on storage methods, and whether they are cooked or not.Article continues belowHealthline suggests that raw potatoes can last anywhere from one week to several months. While frozen cooked potatoes can be stored for up to a year.There are particular signs to watch out for to establish if a raw potato has gone past its best, such as becoming soft to the touch.Conversely, it's straightforward to tell when the vegetable is still fresh, as it should be firm with taut skin, and free from any notable markings or bruises.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌FoodLife hacks