Quick Guide to Storing Sweet Potatoes
Store in a Cool, Dry, Dark Place: Ideal temperature: 50-60°F (10-15°C). Best locations: pantry, kitchen cabinet, or basement. Avoid sunlight and heat, which can cause sprouting.
Avoid Refrigeration: Never store sweet potatoes in the fridge—cold temperatures can alter their texture and flavor.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Use a paper bag, basket, or perforated container for air circulation.
Don’t Store with Other Produce: Avoid storing sweet potatoes with onions, garlic, or other ethylene-producing produce, as they can cause sprouting.
Don’t Wash Until Ready to Use: Wait to wash sweet potatoes until you’re ready to cook. Use a dry cloth to brush off any dirt before storage.
Freeze Cooked Sweet Potatoes: For long-term storage, cook sweet potatoes before freezing (boil until tender, then freeze). Avoid freezing raw sweet potatoes, as they won’t thaw well.