The Ultimate Guide to Potato Storage: Keep Your Spuds Fresh and Sprout-Free All Year Round

Sweet potatoes are a versatile root vegetable that we often buy in bulk, but they can quickly sprout, reducing their nutritional value and taste. Here are some tips to help you keep them fresh for longer:

Use a cardboard box

Get a clean cardboard box and line the bottom with an old cloth or towel. Place the sweet potatoes inside, trying not to let them touch each other. Leave some space between each potato. If you don’t have a cloth, you can use old newspaper instead. Cardboard boxes are great for controlling moisture and temperature. This method will help retain the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

After filling the box, seal it with tape and store it in a cool, dry place. With this method, your sweet potatoes can last for up to a year without spoiling.

Cardboard box, newspaper, and baking soda

Preparation: Cardboard box, newspaper, baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate)

Instructions:

If your sweet potatoes have soil on them, it’s best to let them air dry before storing. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this can dehydrate the potatoes. Once they are dry, you can start storing them.

Get a cardboard box, its size depending on the quantity of sweet potatoes you want to store. Line the bottom of the box with newspaper, then wrap some baking soda in a piece of toilet paper and place it in the box. Now, you can start arranging the sweet potatoes. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t put all the potatoes in at once. Instead, layer them with newspaper and baking soda. After placing a layer of potatoes, add a layer of newspaper, then wrap some baking soda in toilet paper and place it on the newspaper. Repeat this process until you’ve used all your potatoes.

Finally, seal the box and store it in a cool, dry place. It’s best to elevate the box slightly by placing something underneath it, like a brick. This will prevent the potatoes from directly touching the ground and reduce the chances of sprouting. With this method, your sweet potatoes can last for up to six months without sprouting, and they’ll even become tastier over time.

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

1. Let freshly bought sweet potatoes air dry to remove surface moisture.

2. Use an appropriate amount of baking soda to absorb moisture and create a dry environment, reducing the chances of sprouting.

3. When storing the box, elevate it slightly by placing something underneath, reducing the chances of the potatoes sprouting.

Wrap in paper towels

Use paper towels to completely wrap each sweet potato, ensuring no part is left exposed. Paper towels absorb moisture from the air, preventing the potatoes from getting wet and helping to keep them fresh to some extent.

Then, place the wrapped potatoes in a sealed bag, removing as much air as possible. Store the bag in a cool, dry place. This method will help maintain the quality and taste of the sweet potatoes for an extended period.

Use plastic wrap

Individually wrap each sweet potato in plastic wrap, squeezing out as much air as possible. The plastic wrap will protect the surface moisture of the potatoes, preventing dehydration. Finally, place the wrapped potatoes in a clean bag, remove the air, and store the bag directly in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply take them out and steam them.