Buzz
The shelf life of sweet potatoes varies based on storage methods and whether they’re raw or cooked. Raw sweet potatoes can last from a day (if cut) to a month (if kept whole). Cooked sweet potatoes remain fresh for a few days or up to six months (if frozen). To help reduce food waste, we’ve outlined guidelines and tips for storing sweet potatoes to maximize their longevity.
How to Identify Spoiled Sweet Potatoes
Typically, you can determine if a raw sweet potato has spoiled by examining it and using your senses. Does it have an odd smell? Is it soft, wet, leaking, squishy, discolored, or sprouting? If you answer yes to any of these, it’s time to discard it—your sweet potato has gone bad!
If the sweet potato remains firm and isn’t sprouting, it’s still fresh and safe to consume. If it’s firm with minimal sprouts, simply remove the sprouted parts, cook, and eat it right away.
Storing Raw Sweet Potatoes
When kept on the counter, raw sweet potatoes typically stay fresh for up to two weeks. If stored in a cool, dark, and dry place (like a root cellar), they can last around a month.
To extend their shelf life, store sweet potatoes in a cool environment. Ensure proper air circulation by placing them in a loosely covered bag or an open-weave basket.
Should I Refrigerate Raw Sweet Potatoes?
Whole, raw sweet potatoes should not be refrigerated, as this can alter their flavor and cause them to harden in the center. However, once cut, they should be refrigerated. Submerged in cold water, cut sweet potatoes remain fresh for about a day.
Should I Freeze Raw Sweet Potatoes?
Freezing raw sweet potatoes often has the opposite effect; they spoil more quickly! This happens because the moisture inside crystallizes, leading to freezer burn.
To freeze sweet potatoes for extended storage, cook them in a dish or blanch them after cutting. To prevent spoilage in the freezer, store them in an airtight container for future use.
How to Store Cooked Sweet Potatoes for Maximum Freshness
Cooked sweet potatoes typically remain fresh for a few hours at room temperature. When stored in an airtight container and refrigerated, they can last three to five days.
Frozen cooked sweet potatoes can stay fresh for up to six months. To freeze cooked sweet potatoes, follow these steps:
- Rinse the sweet potato under water and scrub it with a clean vegetable brush.
- Roast, boil, or microwave the sweet potato.
- Mash the flesh and add a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Allow the sweet potato mixture to cool completely.
- Transfer it to airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
