How to Store Sweet Potatoes (Complete Storage Guide)

Sweet potatoes are kitchen superstars that can last for weeks or even months – if you know how to store them right! Whether you’ve got a bunch from the farmer’s market or stocked up during a sale, I’ll show you all the tricks of how to store sweet potatoes.

Sliced sweet potato on a wooden board with a knife and parsley.

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When it comes to storing sweet potatoes, these tips will help you save money by preventing spoilage and getting the longest life possible from your produce. You’ll learn multiple storage methods to fit your needs, from short-term to long-term solutions.

Table of Contents

Storage Tips For Raw Sweet Potatoes

The key to storing raw sweet potatoes is keeping them in the right environment. For pantry or kitchen storage, choose a dark, cool spot where the temperature stays around 55-60°F. Keep them away from direct sunlight, which can cause them to sprout or spoil more quickly. Store them in a well-ventilated container or basket, and never use plastic bags as they trap moisture and can lead to premature spoiling.

If you’re lucky enough to have a basement or root cellar, you’ve got the perfect spot for long-term sweet potato storage. These spaces typically maintain the ideal humidity around 75-80% and keep a steady temperature between 55-60°F. Just remember to check on them regularly for any signs of spoilage.

One important tip: don’t wash your sweet potatoes until you’re ready to use them. That extra dirt actually helps protect them and extends their shelf life.

Can You Store Sweet Potatoes in the Fridge?

Here’s the deal with refrigerating sweet potatoes – it’s not recommended for raw ones. The cold temperature can change their texture, affect their taste, make the center hard, and lead to a darker color when cooked. However, once they’re cooked, they should go right into the fridge.

How to Freeze Sweet Potatoes

Freezing sweet potatoes is a great way to preserve them for future use. For raw sweet potatoes, start by peeling and cutting them into cubes. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes, then cool in ice water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before packaging in freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 6 months.

For cooked sweet potatoes, you’ve got several options. Mashed sweet potatoes can be stored in airtight containers for up to 6 months. If you’ve made baked sweet potatoes, wrap them individually in foil, then place in freezer bags. For cubed sweet potatoes, let them cool completely before freezing in portions.

Mashed sweet potatoes topped with walnuts in a white dish.

How to Store Popular Sweet Potato Recipes

Let’s talk about storing some of your favorite sweet potato dishes. Having the right storage method can make all the difference in keeping these delicious recipes tasting fresh for days to come.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are a holiday favorite, and thankfully, they store beautifully. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent them from drying out, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before adding the lid. When reheating, stir in a splash of milk or cream to restore their silky texture.

Sweet Potato Casseroles

Sweet potato casseroles can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If your casserole has a topping (like marshmallows or streusel), consider adding it fresh when reheating for the best texture. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, removing the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up any toppings.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potato dishes, whether they’re cubed, wedged, or sliced, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 4-5 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

When you make baked sweet potatoes, they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. If you’ve added toppings like cheese or sour cream, store them separately and add them when reheating. For meal prep, you can bake several sweet potatoes at once and reheat them throughout the week.

Sweet Potato Side Dishes

When you’ve made sweet potatoes as part of a larger meal, like adding them to roasted vegetable medleys, store them in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These dishes often taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Sweet Potato Meal Prep Tips

If you’re planning to use sweet potatoes for meal prep, consider prepping them in different ways:

Roast a big batch at the start of the week
Make extra mashed sweet potatoes to repurpose in different recipes
Cube and store raw sweet potatoes in cold water for 24 hours before cooking
Prep individual portions in microwave-safe containers for easy reheating

Remember that any cooked sweet potato dish will taste best if brought to room temperature before reheating. This helps ensure even warming and prevents the dish from drying out. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating, and if in doubt, it’s better to be safe and toss it out.

How Long Can You Store Sweet Potatoes?

Storage time varies depending on the method you choose. Raw sweet potatoes kept in a pantry will last 3-5 weeks, while those stored in a root cellar can last up to 6 months. Once cooked, sweet potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Frozen sweet potatoes, whether raw or cooked, will maintain their quality for 6-12 months.