Sweet potatoes are a very versatile vegetable. You can use them to make anything from fries to pies, and they go well as a side dish with many dishes. The following article is your answer on how to store sweet potatoes so that you can have your delicious vegetable all year round.
Storing raw sweet potatoes in the refrigerator will hamper its taste and texture.
Sweet potatoes can last for months if stored properly. Storage begins with the correct selection of potatoes. Select potatoes that are of medium size. They need to be fresh, clean, tight with unwrinkled skins, and blemish-free. Look for some that have an even tone and smooth exterior without any cracks or scars. Avoid those that have soft and squishy spots―this indicates rot.
Even though you can find sweet potatoes throughout the year, it is best to buy them in their prime season, which is around September end to January.
In case you are wondering how to store sweet potatoes at home, read below to know the best ways to store sweet potatoes.
If done correctly, spuds stored in this way can last you for a couple of months. But the temperature needs to be monitored at around 13º – 16ºC.
Frozen sweet potatoes can last you up to 12 months.
The USDA recommends the following three alternatives to safely thaw frozen sweet potatoes:
Frozen sweet potatoes can be cooked without thawing; however, the cooking process will take twice as long to cook.
| Form | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
| Fresh | 3 – 5 weeks | 2 – 3 months | – |
| Unopened Canned | 1 year | – | Never freezer canned food |
| Unopened Frozen | – | 5 – 7 days | 10 – 12 months |
| Opened Canned | – | 7 days | Never freezer canned food |
| Opened Cooked | – | 7 days | 4 – 6 months |
*as per Eat By Date
Stored food can last longer if it is stored well. Freezing sweet potatoes in smaller portions will prevent defrosting of the whole lot at once. Also, remember not to store it in a glass or metal container. Avoid using a wet spoon while transferring. Any water content in the container will give the food nasty freezer burns, compromising on its taste, texture, and longevity.