Recognizing Spoiled Sweet Potatoes to Prevent Food Poisoning

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich food, packed with vitamins A, B, C, cellulose, iron, fiber, potassium, and more. However, if you don't know how to choose the good ones, it's easy to end up with a toxic tuber. We're here to help you spot the bad ones and avoid any potential health hazards.

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1 Tips for Spotting Spoiled Sweet Potatoes

Spoiled Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can go bad if not stored properly. You may also unknowingly buy spoiled sweet potatoes from the market or supermarket. To avoid this, pay attention to the following signs on the sweet potato:

  • The sweet potato has brown or black spots on its skin.
  • There are abnormal soft spots on the surface of the sweet potato.
  • The sweet potato has multiple cracks.

These signs indicate that the sweet potato has been infected with Alternaria Brassicicola bacteria. The toxins in the sweet potato will make it taste bitter and hard when eaten (some people call this “woody” sweet potatoes).

Signs of sweet potato poisoning include: constant discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, and more severe symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and hand numbness. The risk of death can be as high as 16%.

To avoid sweet potato poisoning, choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes that are not bruised, crushed, or cracked. Also, opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes instead of larger ones, as they tend to be fibrous and less tasty.

2 How to Store Sweet Potatoes to Keep Them Fresh

To keep sweet potatoes tasting great and fresh for longer, store them in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not wrap them tightly in plastic bags. Also, avoid storing them in damp places, as this can cause them to sprout. Do not store sweet potatoes in the refrigerator, as they will spoil and wilt quickly, losing their flavor and nutritional value.

Note: It is not recommended to eat sweet potatoes when you are very hungry. This is because sweet potatoes contain substances that stimulate gastric digestive enzymes, which can cause a feeling of fullness, discomfort, and acid reflux when consumed on an empty stomach. In addition, people with stomach aches should avoid eating sweet potatoes, as they can aggravate the condition.

For further reference:

Reference: webtretho.com

Frequently asked questions

There are a few signs to look out for when trying to determine if sweet potatoes have spoiled. One is the appearance of mold, which can range from white to green to black in color. Another is a change in texture, where the sweet potato becomes soft or mushy. A third sign is an off odor, which may smell sour or alcoholic.

Consuming spoiled sweet potatoes can lead to food poisoning, which is caused by harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella, and E. coli, that may be present on the spoiled food. Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and dehydration.

To prevent sweet potatoes from spoiling, it is important to store them properly. They should be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, preferably in a basket or mesh bag rather than a plastic bag. Do not wash sweet potatoes before storing them, as moisture can encourage spoilage. Additionally, try to buy firm, unbruised sweet potatoes and avoid those with signs of sprouting.

The shelf life of sweet potatoes can vary depending on storage conditions and the quality of the potatoes themselves. Generally, they can last for about one to two weeks when stored at room temperature, and up to two months when kept in the refrigerator.

Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of sweet potatoes. To freeze, first, peel and chop the sweet potatoes into desired sizes. Then, blanch them in boiling water for about 3 minutes, followed by plunging them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the sweet potatoes and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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