How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Last?
When it comes to cooking, there is no doubt that sweet potatoes are among the most versatile vegetables. They can be eaten raw or cooked, baked, fried, or even used as a healthy snack.
They are a great source of fiber, and vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are high in potassium and low in calories, making them a perfect food choice for a healthy diet. But how long does a sweet potato last, and what can you do with one once it’s past its prime?
Sweet potatoes last around 3 to 5 weeks in the pantry and 4 to 5 months in the refrigerator if stored properly. However, sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, ventilated area to ensure a long life. After three months, a sweet potato will lose much of its vitamin C content, but it will still be edible and safe to eat.
What do you do with your sweet potatoes after eating them? If you’re like me, you put them in the fridge and then forget about them for a few days. But, before you toss them out, you should know how long they’ll keep.
How Long Will Sweet Potatoes Last If Stored Properly?
Depending on the storage conditions, sweet potatoes can last up to five weeks if in the pantry. To maximize the length of time sweet potatoes will store, place them in a cool, dry place.
They should also be kept out of direct sunlight. If stored in a refrigerator, it can last up to 5 months. They can also be frozen and thawed several times and still survive.
What Is the Best Way to Store Sweet Potatoes?
You should store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. If your sweet potatoes are in a warm place, they will turn black and start to shrivel. Store them in a dark spot like the back of the pantry to keep them away from direct sunlight. Sweet potatoes can be stored for up to three months in the fridge.
Sweet potatoes should be stored in a dark, cool place where the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be kept in a plastic bag or container, so oxygen does not enter them. If stored properly, sweet potatoes can last six to nine months.
To store sweet potatoes, follow these simple guidelines:
- Store them in a cool, dark place.
- Sweet potatoes don’t like direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- Keep them away from heat and moisture as those conditions can shorten their shelf life.
How Can You Tell If a Sweet Potato Has Gone Bad?
If a sweet potato has gone bad, it will have a strong, musty smell. To determine if your sweet potatoes are ready to eat, try this test: Cut one open and see if there is any white liquid inside. If there is, it’s rotten.
One way to tell if they have gone bad is to smell them. If the skin smells like rotten eggs or ammonia, it will probably not taste good. If you put it in water and it floats, or if it doesn’t sink, it’s likely already spoiled.
Another way is to check the color of sweet potatoes. If it has gone bad, then it will be a dark or light color instead of a golden yellow color.
Proper storage can prolong the life of the sweet potato. This can be done by storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
What to Do to Prevent Sweet Potatoes from Spoiling?
You can prevent sweet potatoes from spoiling by following these steps:
- Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place.
- Avoid storing sweet potatoes near other fruits and vegetables.
- Do not wash sweet potatoes before storing them.
- Inspect sweet potatoes for signs of damage or decay before storing them.
- Store sweet potatoes in a single layer to promote air circulation.
Conclusion
We hope that you are now well aware of that how long do sweet potatoes last. Sweet potatoes will keep for the longest time when stored in a cool, dark, and humid environment. An unheated basement or root cellar is ideal. Place sweet potatoes in a basket, crate, or wooden box lined with straw or newspaper. Do not wash sweet potatoes before storing them.
FAQs | Sweet Potato Shelf Life
The following are some frequently asked questions about sweet potato shelf life:
How Long Do Mashed Sweet Potatoes Last in the Fridge?
Once they’ve been mashed, sweet potatoes are best kept refrigerated for up to 3 days. When you’re using them, simply reheat them. You can also freeze them and use them later on for a side dish.
Are Cooked Sweet Potatoes Shelf-stable?
Cooked sweet potatoes are not shelf-stable. Once they are cooked, they need to be refrigerated and used within a few days. You can store cooked sweet potatoes in your refrigerator for up to five days. However, you shouldn’t eat them after three days. This is because they start to lose their nutritional value. You could also freeze the food.
Can You Eat Old Sweet Potatoes?
You can eat old sweet potatoes, but they may not taste as good as fresh ones. Sweet potatoes starting to sprout or that are soft and mushy are not as good as fresh sweet potatoes. Typically, sweet potatoes will not rot or spoil; their taste will change over time. If mold develops on the sweet potato, it becomes poisonous.
