What is the ideal temperature for potato cold storage?

The ideal temperature for potato cold storage depends on the intended end use of the potatoes:

Table/Fresh Market Potatoes: Store at 3-5°C (37-43°F) with 90-95% relative humidity. According to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and American Journal of Potato Research, this cooler temperature suppresses sprouting and respiration while maintaining quality for 4-8 months.

Processing Potatoes: Store at 7-10°C (45-50°F) with 95-98% relative humidity. The CIP and USDA emphasize this higher temperature prevents "cold sweetening" — the conversion of starch to reducing sugars that occurs below 6°C. Cold sweetening causes dark frying colors and bitter taste in chips and fries through Maillard browning reactions, and can form acrylamide (a potential carcinogen). Processing potatoes should target reducing sugars below 1.5 mg/g for chips and below 2.5 mg/g for fries.

Seed Potatoes: Store at the coldest temperature of 2-4°C (36-39°F) with 90-95% humidity. According to CPRI India and university extension research, this lowest temperature maximizes dormancy for extended storage of 6-10 months. Since seed potatoes aren't consumed, sugar accumulation isn't a concern.

Temperature management is considered the single most important factor in successful potato storage according to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service research. If processing potatoes are accidentally stored too cold, they can be "reconditioned" at 15-20°C for 2-3 weeks to reduce sugar levels before processing.