How to Store Sweet Potatoes To Avoid Any Sprouts

Whatever you do, don’t put a raw sweet potato in the fridge.

You would think a simple, starchy vegetable like sweet potatoes would last for weeks, conveniently ready to be used whenever the craving strikes, but that’s not the case. In fact, sweet potatoes are actually incredibly finicky and require very specific storage accommodations, so as not to sprout prematurely. 

The thing about storing sweet potatoes is, if you do it properly, you can make them last quite a while. Did you know roasted or mashed sweet potatoes can last for up to a year in the freezer? That means you might never run out of potatoes! And if your freezer is packed to the brim, you can always keep the sweet spuds safe and dry in the darkest, coolest part of your kitchen and use them as needed. Keep reading for the lowdown on how to store sweet potatoes! 

Related: 40 Easy and Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes

How to Store Uncooked Sweet Potatoes

If you’ve been putting your sweet potatoes in a bowl on the counter, you may have noticed they sprout within just a few days. That’s because uncooked sweet potatoes thrive in cool, dark, and well-ventilated areas; so, it’s always best to store them in the pantry or in a cupboard. 

The key is to keep sweet potatoes somewhere that’s cool and dry, and never exposing them to moisture. You may want to look into getting some paper bags or a breathable food storage container to store your sweet potatoes separately, since placing them near other fruits and vegetables could cause them to ripen quickly.

How to Store Cooked Sweet Potatoes

Having a big batch of cooked sweet potatoes on hand during the week is an absolute gamechanger. You can enjoy them as a side dish with dinner, heat them up as a breakfast hash, or even turn them into a sweet potato mash. 

Storing your cooked sweet potatoes is simple; just place them in an airtight food storage container or plastic food bag for up to five days and enjoy!

Related: 18 Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Healthy and Flavorful

Can You Store Uncooked Sweet Potatoes in the Refrigerator?

While you may be tempted to store your uncooked sweet potatoes in the refrigerator, it’s actually never a good idea to do so. Why? It’s because the temperature in your fridge is too low, and will cause sweet potatoes to decay, resulting in a hard interior and unpleasant taste.

How to Freeze Sweet Potatoes

Freezing cooked sweet potatoes isn’t only a great way to meal prep and stretch your leftovers, but it can also make the spuds tastier and fluffier, believe it or not.

If you’re baking or roasting a whole sweet potato, simply let it cool completely and then wrap it with aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat the sweet potato, be sure to take it out of the freezer a few hours in advance so it can thaw on the counter. Once the sweet potato is thawed, reheat it in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes, until it’s warmed through. 

The trick for freezing mashed or boiled potatoes is a bit different, but still simple and straightforward. All you have to do is allow your sweet potatoes to cool and store them in a freezer-friendly plastic bag. Be sure to remove as much air from the bag as possible, otherwise the sweet potatoes will get freezer burn and develop a bad taste. 

Related: Can You Freeze Yogurt? Here’s the Best Way to Do It

Similarly to whole roasted sweet potatoes, make sure you have enough time for them to completely thaw before you reheat them for your next meal. Once the mashed sweet potatoes have come down to room temperature, cook them in a saucepan until heated through.

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