Are you tired of buying sweet potatoes only to find them shriveled and unusable a few weeks later?
Do you find yourself questioning how long they can last in your pantry? Well, you’re not alone.
The shelf life of sweet potatoes can be a mystery, but fear not, as we are here to provide you with the answers.
As someone who has experienced the frustration of wasted food, I am here to share my knowledge on the topic and help you make the most of your sweet potatoes.
How Long Does Sweet Potato Last In Pantry?
Sweet potatoes can last for 3-5 weeks in the pantry if stored in a cold, dry, and dark place. Cooked sweet potatoes can be kept in the freezer for up to a year if stored in a freezer bag or a hermetically sealed container.
Factors that Affect the Shelf Life of Sweet Potatoes in Pantry
We shall delve into the variables that affect the durability of sweet potatoes within a pantry:
Storage temperature:
The longevity of sweet potatoes is primarily contingent on the temperature of their storage.
Even though they can endure for roughly four weeks at standard room temperature, the duration of conservation may extend up to five weeks.
It’s crucial to remember that sweet potatoes prefer temperatures around 55°F (12.8°C).
Thus, it is suggested that sweet potatoes are kept in a frigid and dim area, like a storage room or a cellar for vegetables.
Moisture content:
Sweet potatoes have a significant proportion of dampness, rendering them susceptible to decay if they come in contact with an excessive amount of moisture.
Consequently, it is of utmost importance to maintain sweet potatoes in a dry milieu to preclude the multiplication of fungus or germs.
Additionally, sweet potatoes should not be washed before storing, as excess moisture can cause them to rot faster.
Quality of sweet potatoes:
The longevity of sweet potatoes may be influenced by their quality as well.
In the event that sweet potatoes are already contaminated or manifest conspicuous signs of decay, such as flaccidity, staining, creases, or fungus, they should be disposed of without delay.
Furthermore, it’s vital to scrutinize sweet potatoes on a regular basis for any indications of spoilage, as one putrid potato can rapidly propagate to others.
Type of sweet potatoes:
The type of sweet potato can also affect its shelf life. For instance, jewel sweet potatoes have a shorter shelf life compared to other varieties.
Therefore, it’s important to consider the type of sweet potato when storing them in the pantry.
How to Store Sweet Potatoes in the Pantry
Proper storage techniques can help retain their freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. Here are some essential tips for storing sweet potatoes in the pantry:
Step 1: Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes
When selecting sweet potatoes for storage, choose those that are firm and free of cracks, bruises, or soft spots. Smaller sweet potatoes tend to store better than larger ones.
Also, look for sweet potatoes with smooth and dry skin, as any moisture can promote decay during storage.
Step 2: Cure the Sweet Potatoes
After harvesting, sweet potatoes should be cured for a week to 10 days before storing them.
Curing involves placing the sweet potatoes in a warm and humid place, ideally between 80-85°F and 85-90% humidity.
Curing helps sweet potatoes to heal any minor cuts and bruises, and it also improves their flavor and texture.
You can cure sweet potatoes in a cardboard box, wooden crate, or even a plastic container.
Step 3: Clean and Dry the Sweet Potatoes
Before storing, gently brush off any dirt or debris from the sweet potatoes using a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
Do not wash them, as any moisture can encourage mold growth.
For a few hours, let the sweet potatoes to dry in a cool, dry area with good ventilation.
Step 4: Store in a Cool and Dry Place
Sweet potatoes need to be kept cold and dry, away from heat sources like a stove or heater as well as direct sunshine.
The ideal storage temperature is between 55-60°F with low humidity, such as a pantry or a root cellar.
It’s important to note that sweet potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator, as they can become hard and their flavor can be altered.
Step 5: Check for Spoilage Regularly
Check your sweet potatoes regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as soft spots, mold, or a foul odor.
Remove any spoiled sweet potatoes immediately to prevent the spread of decay to the other sweet potatoes.
Shelf Life of Sweet Potatoes in the Pantry
When stored properly, sweet potatoes can last for several weeks to several months in the pantry.
In general, newly harvested sweet potatoes can endure for approximately a fortnight under normal room temperature conditions, whereas boiled or steamed sweet potatoes can endure for up to seven days if stored within the confines of a fridge.
Frozen sweet potatoes can last for up to 10-12 months in the freezer.
Assessing the Freshness of Sweet Potatoes
The first step in determining the shelf life of sweet potatoes is to assess their freshness. Fresh sweet potatoes are firm, smooth, and free of bruises, cuts, or soft spots.
If your sweet potatoes have any of these qualities, they may not last as long as fresher ones.
Additionally, Sweet potatoes that have green spots or sprouts should be discarded as they may contain a toxic compound called solanine, which can cause illness if consumed in large amounts.
Factors Affecting Shelf Life
Several factors can affect the shelf life of sweet potatoes in the pantry.
The shelf life of the sweet potato depends on some factors, like temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
In comparison to sweet potatoes kept in a cool, dry environment, warm, humid storage conditions may certainly cause them to spoil more quickly.
Similarly, sweet potatoes that are exposed to light can develop a bitter taste and a green color.
Proper Storage Techniques
To extend the shelf life of sweet potatoes in the pantry, it’s important to store them properly.
It is advisable to stock sweet potatoes in a shaded, chilly room such as a storage or cabinet.
This will prevent decay and prolong their shelf life. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can cause them to develop a hard center and an unpleasant taste.
To prevent the sprouting of sweet potatoes we recommend you store them in a well-ventilated container instead of an airtight container or a polythene bag.
This is because plastic bags and airtight containers can trap moisture, which can lead to spoilage.
By storing sweet potatoes in a well-ventilated container or paper bag, air can circulate around the potatoes, keeping them dry and preventing sprouting.
Additionally, sweet potatoes should be kept away from other produce, as the ethylene gas they produce can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen and spoil more quickly.
FAQs
Can I Store Sweet Potatoes In The Refrigerator?
It’s not recommended to store sweet potatoes in the refrigerator as the cold temperature can cause them to develop an off-flavor.
On the contrary, it is recommended that they be conserved in a cold and obscured space, such as a storage room or cabinet.
Can I Freeze Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze sweet potatoes. However, it’s best to cook them before freezing them.
Dicing or slicing them into smaller portions and briefly blanching them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before preserving them in airtight vessels via freezing is an effective technique.
Can I Eat Sweet Potatoes That Have Sprouted?
Sweet potatoes that have sprouted are still safe to eat. However, they may have a slightly bitter taste and a different texture.
You can remove the sprouts and use the sweet potatoes as usual.
How Can I Tell If Sweet Potatoes Are Fresh?
Fresh sweet potatoes should be firm and free of bruises, cracks, or soft spots. They should also have smooth and unblemished skin.
Can I Store Sweet Potatoes With Other Vegetables?
Yes, you can store sweet potatoes with other vegetables.
However, be sure to store them separately from fruits, as fruits can release ethylene gas, which can cause sweet potatoes to spoil quickly.
Conclusion
A delightful and healthy addition to any pantry is sweet potatoes. They can last for several weeks in the pantry if they are properly preserved.
By taking the necessary steps to store sweet potatoes properly, you can help extend their shelf life and ensure that they remain fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
You may increase the shelf life of your sweet potatoes and reduce waste by using the advice provided in this article.
Recall to keep them dry, cool, and well-ventilated while storing them, and to check them frequently for symptoms of deterioration.
Your sweet potatoes may stay tasty and fresh for weeks with a little tender loving care. Have fun cooking.
