Since 1736, potatoes have been grown in Russia. It is one of the main food products for humans. If stored improperly, potato tubers wrinkle, darken and lose their taste.
On average, potatoes contain 75% water, 18.2% starch, 2% nitrogenous substances (crude protein), 1.5% sugars, 1% fiber, 0.1% fat, 0.2% acids. In addition, it is a rich source of various vitamins (groups B, K, C, etc.) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, etc.) that are very useful for the human body. Potatoes are a culture capable of being damaged by fungal pathogens., viral and bacterial diseases. This is due to its vegetative propagation (tubers). The causative agents of a large number of diseases are transmitted with planting material. Potato tubers are a favorable substrate for the development of bacteria and fungi, which cause various rot, which cause deformation of tubers, the appearance of wrinkles, spotting, etc. But the main reason that healthy potatoes acquire a shriveled appearance over time is the loss of moisture by the tubers. During the first 10 days after harvest, potatoes lose up to 10% moisture. For storage, it must be placed in a basement with an air humidity of 80-90% and a temperature of 1-3 ° C. Potatoes must not be stored in the light. Under the influence of sunlight, a substance that is very harmful to the human body, solanine, accumulates in its tubers, which can cause poisoning. At the same time, the tubers may also shrink slightly. When eating such potatoes, be sure to cut off all green areas. Potatoes, as a rule, are stored in bulk up to a meter high. But it is better to put it in baskets or boxes covered with straw. After some time, the wet straw is replaced with dry straw. You can shift potato tubers with rowan leaves. For 100 kg of potatoes, 2 kg of leaves are needed. They prevent tubers from rotting and shrinking. In the basements of high-rise buildings, where many city dwellers store crops, it is very warm due to the heating pipes nearby. Place containers of water in the shed to increase air humidity and prevent potatoes from shrinking.
