Stop Refrigerating Raw Sweet Potatoes: How to Store Them So They Last.

Baligya Store
Sep 5
2 min read

Raw sweet potatoes should not go in the fridge. Cold temperatures can damage texture and taste and can leave a hard center after cooking. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry, and well ventilated place instead.

Why the fridge is a problem

Sweet potato roots are sensitive to cold. Storing them near 10 to 12 degrees Celsius or lower can cause chilling injury. This can show up later as internal browning, hard cores, and off flavors.

The right temperature and spot at home

Aim for around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. At home this means the coolest spot you have, away from sunlight and heat. A breathable basket, crate, or paper bag helps air flow. In warmer rooms plan to use them faster.

How long do raw sweet potatoes last

In a cool, dry, dark, and well ventilated place they can last several weeks. At normal room temperature try to use them within about a week. Check often and use any with small nicks first.

Do not wash before storing

Moisture invites mold and rot. Brush off dirt and wash only right before cooking.

Keep them away from ethylene producers

Store sweet potatoes away from fruits that make a lot of ethylene such as bananas and apples. Separation helps reduce sprouting and quality loss.

What about cut or peeled sweet potatoes

Once you cut or peel, switch to the fridge. Cover in clean water and refrigerate. Cook soon and aim to use within a day.

How to store cooked sweet potatoes

Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Eat cooked sweet potatoes within three to four days. For longer storage, freeze after cooking.

Signs they have gone bad

Toss any sweet potatoes that are very soft or wet, smell off, show mold, or have deep internal browning after you cut them. Chilling damage can also show up as a hard center after cooking.

Quick checklist

Store raw sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, dry, well ventilated place
Do not refrigerate raw roots
Do not wash before storing
Keep away from bananas and apples
Refrigerate cooked sweet potatoes within two hours and eat within three to four days
Freeze only after cooking

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