Sweet potatoes can be stored for several months, but it's important to follow specific guidelines to prevent them from rotting and darkening. Let's explore how to properly store sweet potatoes both at room temperature and in the freezer.

Room Temperature Storage

Step 1. Choose fresh and firm sweet potatoes.

Step 1

Purchase only fresh and high-quality sweet potatoes. The best option is new crop potatoes that still have their roots.

  • Large tubers can be stored just as long as smaller ones, but they contain more flesh.
  • If you’re harvesting them yourself, carefully dig around the plants to a depth of 10-15 cm to extract the roots. Be cautious, as sweet potatoes can be easily damaged. Remove excess soil, but do not wash the tubers.

Step 2. Cure the sweet potatoes for 1-2 weeks.

Let the potatoes cure for 1-2 weeks. Place them in a room with a temperature of around 24-27 degrees Celsius and 90-95% humidity.

  • Sweet potatoes should dry for at least 7 days, but 2 weeks is even better.
  • This process creates an additional protective skin, helping to extend their storage life.
  • Use a fan to improve air circulation and prevent rot and mold.
  • Monitor the temperature and humidity to create optimal curing conditions.
  • It’s best to place the tubers so they do not touch during curing.

Step 3. Remove any damaged tubers.

Step 3

After curing, inspect the potatoes and discard any tubers with dark, rotten, or moldy spots.

  • Such tubers did not undergo proper curing and will not store as long as the others. Moreover, they can spoil the healthy tubers.

Step 4. Wrap the potatoes in newspaper.

Step 4

Wrap each tuber in newspaper or a brown paper bag.

  • Newspaper and brown bags allow good airflow, preventing quick spoilage of sweet potatoes.

Step 5. Pack the potatoes in a box or basket.

Step 5

Store the wrapped tubers in a cardboard box or a wooden basket.

  • Avoid airtight containers.
  • Add an apple to the box to help prevent sprouting in the sweet potatoes.

Step 6. Store in a cool, dark place.

Step 6

Find a spot with a temperature of 13-16 degrees Celsius for storing sweet potatoes.

  • The best option is a basement or cellar. If that's not possible, choose a dark, cool, and well-ventilated cupboard away from heat sources.
  • Do not store in the refrigerator.
  • Regularly check the temperature to ensure it stays within 13-16°C.
  • This way, sweet potatoes can be stored for up to 6 months. Handle the tubers carefully to avoid damage.

Freezer Storage

Step 1. Wash and peel the potatoes.

Step 1

Thoroughly wash fresh sweet potatoes under running water and scrub them with a brush. Peel the skin using a vegetable peeler.

  • Simple rinsing is not enough. Be sure to scrub the tubers to avoid damaging the flesh.
  • If you don’t have a vegetable peeler, you can use a regular knife with a smooth blade.
  • For long-term storage, choose only fresh sweet potatoes.

Step 2. Boil the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sweet potatoes. Cook them for 15-20 minutes until tender.

  • Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes before freezing, as raw ones will lose flavor and nutrients.
  • Boiling is the best way to prepare sweet potatoes for freezing. An average tuber will be done in about 20 minutes.

Step 3. Cut or mash the sweet potatoes.

Step 3

Slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds or mash them with a potato masher.

  • Do not store boiled sweet potatoes whole.
  • You can also use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth mash.

Step 4. Drizzle with lemon juice.

Step 4

Add about 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the slices or mash of sweet potatoes.

  • Ensure the lemon juice is evenly distributed to prevent discoloration, but use it sparingly so it doesn’t alter the taste.

Step 5. Allow to cool.

Step 5

Before freezing, the sweet potatoes should be completely cooled.

  • If you freeze warm potatoes, condensation will form, reducing their storage life.

Step 6. Transfer to airtight containers.

Step 6

Place the slices or mash of sweet potatoes in sealable plastic bags or airtight freezer containers.

  • Do not use metal or glass containers.

Step 7. Freeze for 10-12 months.

Step 7

Cooked sweet potatoes can be stored in the freezer for 10 to 12 months.