The Ultimate Guide to Storing Sweet Potatoes: 4 Ways to Keep Them Fresh and Sprout-Free for Months

Preparation:

Cardboard box, newspaper, baking soda (baking powder)

Instructions:

When buying potatoes, if there is soil on the surface of the sweet potatoes and the soil is moist, it is best not to store them right away. Let the potatoes air dry for a day before storing.

If sun-drying, do not leave them out for too long, just long enough to dry the surface. Overdoing it will cause the potatoes to lose their moisture. After the sweet potatoes are dry, you can start storing them.

First, prepare a cardboard box of a size that depends on the amount of sweet potatoes you want to store.

Line the bottom of the box with newspaper, then wrap some baking soda in toilet paper, seal it, and place it in the box. Now, you can put the sweet potatoes in. It is important to note that you should not put all the potatoes in at once but rather spread them out in layers. After one layer of potatoes, add a layer of newspaper, then wrap some baking soda in toilet paper, place it on the newspaper, and add another layer of sweet potatoes.

Repeat this process until you have used up all the sweet potatoes. Finally, seal the box and store it in a cool, dry place. It is best to place a brick under the cardboard box, as direct contact with the ground can cause the potatoes to sprout. With this method, the sweet potatoes can be stored for up to six months without sprouting, and they will become sweeter over time.

So, when storing sweet potatoes, keep these three things in mind:

1. After buying sweet potatoes, let them air dry to remove moisture from the surface.

2. Use an appropriate amount of baking soda, as it absorbs moisture and ensures the sweet potatoes remain dry and less likely to sprout.

3. Finally, when sealing the cardboard box, place a brick underneath to prevent the potatoes from coming into direct contact with the ground and reduce the likelihood of sprouting.

METHOD 2: WRAP IN NAPKINS

Use napkins to wrap the sweet potatoes completely, ensuring no part is exposed. Dry napkins can absorb moisture from the air, preventing the sweet potatoes from getting wet, and thus keeping them fresh to a certain extent.

Then, place the wrapped sweet potatoes in a sealed bag, expel the air from the bag, and tie it tightly. Store it in a cool, dry place. With this method, the sweet potatoes will last longer without losing their freshness and taste.

METHOD 3: USE PLASTIC WRAP

Use plastic wrap to individually wrap each sweet potato, then squeeze out the air. The plastic wrap will protect the surface moisture of the sweet potatoes, preventing moisture loss and keeping them fresh. Finally, place the wrapped sweet potatoes in a clean bag, expel the air, and store the bag directly in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat them. Then, simply steam them.

METHOD 4: USE ONLY A CARDBOARD BOX

Take a clean cardboard box and line the bottom with an old towel or cloth. Then, place the sweet potatoes inside, trying not to let them touch each other. Leave some space between each potato. After one layer, cover them with another towel or cloth, and continue layering the potatoes. If you don’t have old towels or cloths, you can use old newspaper instead.

Cardboard boxes are great for controlling moisture and temperature. Using this method will help retain the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Finally, seal the cardboard box with tape and store it in a cool, dry place. With this method, the sweet potatoes can be stored for up to a year without spoiling.

Good luck!