Best Way to Store Sweet Potatoes

In many areas, sweet potatoes are a fall and winter treat. A favorite at the Thanksgiving dinner table, sweet potatoes can be both sweet and savory, and they are high in many nutrients, like vitamins C, A and B6. They are also an excellent source of fiber, copper, manganese and iron. Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and tasty addition to a meal, and having them handy can add variety to your meal planning. Because they store well, you can buy a large bag of sweet potatoes and keep them on hand for last minute baking or mashing. Armed with a few tips and tricks, you can store sweet potatoes at the peak of flavor and freshness for up to a month.

Instructions

1. Keep sweet potatoes in a dark cupboard or a cool room, like the basement or the garage.

2. Avoid storing sweet potatoes in the refrigerator. The cold temperature in the refrigerator will start to turn the starch in the potato to a sugar, causing a disagreeable taste. Although they may last longer this way, the sacrifice in flavor isn't worth it.

3. Store sweet potatoes away from onions and other produce that will encourage sprouting.

4. Keep sweet potatoes cool not cold. At room temperature, a sweet potato will only last for about a week; however, if you drop the temperature a few degrees, it will keep for a month.

5. Avoid moisture. Moisture is the enemy of stored sweet potatoes, so keep them dry. One of the worst things you can do is keep sweet potatoes in a sealed, plastic grocery bag with no air flow. The mesh or perforated bags potatoes are usually sold in allow some air flow, so don't sabotage the the suppliers' efforts by sticking your sweet potatoes in a plastic bag that will seal in moisture and encourage decay.This goes for cleaning sweet potatoes too. Never rinse the potatoes until you're ready to use them. Instead, tidy them up by rubbing or whisking them with a soft, dry brush or sponge.

6. Handle sweet potatoes carefully. They may look sturdy, but their skins are thin and delicate, so handle them with care.

Tips & Warnings

• If you discover that your sweet potatoes are getting old and you don't have an immediate use for them, try cooking, mashing and freezing them. Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious change when served with ham or pork tenderloin. They freeze very well, and with a hour's prep time and some freezer bags, you can make up enough for a number of meals with a minimum of effort.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish