Sweet potatoes are a delicious
vegetable. They are full of valuable nutrients. Many people like them for their
alluring taste. However, if you don’t store sweet potatoes properly, they
can spoil prematurely, sprout or lose flavor and texture. It doesn't matter
whether you harvest sweet potatoes from your own garden or buy them from the
store. Mainly, you should know the best way to store sweet potatoes. In this article, I will share how to store sweet potatoes properly. By storing sweet potatoes properly, you can enjoy them fresh even after a long time. Now
let's enter the world of sweet potato storage.
Essential Tips for Storing Sweet Potatoes to Keep Them Fresh
Why to Store Sweet Potato
Many people may wonder why sweet
potatoes need to be stored. Yes, there are important reasons to store
sweet potatoes. Now know those reasons.
- To eat fresh sweet potatoes after a long time
- To retain natural sweetness and nutritional value.
- To prevent sprouting, rotting or shriveling.
The Basics of Storing Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes Are Not Regular Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not
like regular potatoes. They are a root crop. They require
a slightly different storage method. Now know the main difference between
storing sweet potatoes and regular potatoes:
- Moisture
Levels:
Sweet potatoes spoil more in excess moisture.
- Temperature
Sensitivity:
These differ from regular potatoes. They don't last in the freezer as regular
potatoes.
Ideal Conditions for Storage
There are certain
conditions to keep your sweet potatoes fresh. Now know the conditions to
keep them fresh:
- Temperature: Usually, sweet
potatoes should be kept between 55°F and 60°F (13°C-16°C). And, you have to avoid
refrigerating them.
- Humidity: Avoid high
humidity.
- Light: They should be
stored in a dark place to prevent germination and discoloration.
Storing Sweet Potatoes for Long-Term Use
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Sweet Potatoes
- Check
for Damage:
Check each sweet potato and see if they are spoiled. Remember that cut
and bruised sweet potatoes spoil fast. So, keep them separate from
good potatoes.
- Clean
Gently: Before storage, Clean the dirt with a brush gently but do not wash.
- Select
the Right Container: Select airtight containers such as mesh bags, wooden crates or cardboard boxes. They are best to store sweet potatoes.
- Store
in a Cool and Dark Place: To store sweet potatoes, a pantry, cellar or basement works well. Besides, manage good air circulation around the sweet potatoes.
- Differentiated
by Size:
Big sweet potatoes have a shorter shelf life than smaller potatoes. So,
separate them from the big ones.
Curing Sweet Potatoes for Longer Storage
If you have harvested sweet potatoes
from your garden, you will be sure to cure them before storing them. Now see
how to cure them:
- Keep
them in a Warm Place:
Store sweet potatoes in a place with a temperature of 85°F (29°C) and humidity
(90%) for 7-10 days.
- Let
the Skin Harden:
Curing helps to heal minor cuts and tightens the skin. As a result, sweet
potatoes last longer.
- Go
to a Cooler Storage Place: Once cured, store them in the ideal conditions
mentioned earlier.
Storing Sweet Potatoes in Various Forms
How to Store Sweet Potatoes After Cooking
Refrigerate Cooked Sweet Potatoes:
- Store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 6 months).
Freezing Sweet Potato
- Blanch
or Cook:
Boil, bake or steam before freezing.
- Cool
Completely:
Avoid freezer burn by cooling them before packing.
- Pack in an Airtight Container or Freezer Bag: Remove as much air as possible.
Read more:
Freezing Raw Sweet Potatoes
Raw sweet potatoes don't freeze well
because their texture can change. However, you can blanch or cook them
first:
Blanching Process:
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into desired shapes.
- Boil for 2-3 minutes and then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
Freezing Cooked Sweet Potatoes:
- Cool them completely.
- Pack in airtight containers and freeze for up to 6 months.
Common Mistakes to Store Sweet Potatoes
Top Mistakes People Make When Storing Sweet Potatoes
- Refrigerating Raw Sweet Potatoes: Cold temperatures can cause the flesh to become hard and affect their flavor.
- Storing with Ethylene-Producing Fruits: Keep them away from apples, bananas and other fruits that release ethylene gas because it increases ripening.
- Washing
Before Storage: Moisture
on the skin can cause rot.
- Using
Plastic Bags: Lack of
ventilation can trap moisture that causes mold and spoilage.
- Exposing to Sunlight:
Sunlight triggers sprouting and reduces shelf life.
FAQ
1. Can I store sweet potatoes in the fridge?
No, refrigeration changes their texture
and flavor. So, avoid storing sweet potatoes in the fridge.
2.
How long can sweet potatoes last in storage?
Raw sweet potatoes can last 1–3 months in
storage. On the other hand, cooked ones last fresh for up to 5 days in
the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.
3.
What’s the best way to store sweet potatoes from the garden?
First, cure them by keeping them in a
warm and humid place for 7–10 days. Then store them in a cool, dark and
ventilated place.
4.
How do I know if a sweet potato has gone bad?
Signs of spoilage such as a sour smell,
mold, mushy spots, or sprouting will help you that a sweet potato has gone bad.
5. Can I store sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?
It is better to store them separately.
Sweet potatoes need slightly warmer conditions. On the other hand, regular
potatoes need cooler temperatures.
Finally, sweet potatoes are a gift of nature. It is easy to store them. By providing the right condition and
following simple steps like curing, managing air circulation and
avoiding common mistakes, you can enjoy their sweet and earthy flavor for a long time. However, this article has given you a clear idea about how to
store sweet potatoes. Now collect sweet potatoes and store them perfectly for
freshness and longevity.
Do you want to store sweet potatoes? Follow my tips to keep them fresh and delicious for your next use. Share this guide with your fellow food lovers to help them and express your opinions in the comments below.
Related posts:
