Native to Central or South America, sweet potatoes are the roots of a vine in the morning glory family. Asia, North America, South America, and Africa are just a few of the warm, temperate locations of the world where sweet potatoes are presently grown. The root needs to be boiled before consumption. It can be prepared in a variety of methods, including roasting, frying, toasting, steaming, boiling, and grilling.
Sweet potatoes, which are sometimes called yams by mistake, are root vegetables that come in a variety of colours, including orange, purple, and white. Both the root and the leaves can be eaten, however, most typically the root is purchased and eaten. They can be cooked whole or peeled and chopped, requiring only a quick clean before cooking. Similar to their distant cousin, potatoes, sweet potatoes are usually boiled before eating and are affordable (albeit slightly more expensive than regular potatoes).
Here is all the information you need about storing sweet potatoes.
Storing At Room Temperature
If you want to eat your sweet potatoes within a week or two, you can keep them at room temperature on the kitchen counter. If you can, try to keep your sweet potatoes out of the sun, and don't wash them until you're ready to cook them.
Freezing Whole Sweet Potatoes
The potatoes should be thoroughly cleaned with a vegetable brush before being pierced several times and baked for an hour at 425 degrees F. Let them come to room temperature before putting them in freezer bags to store for up to a year.
Storing In A Root Cellar
Wrapping each sweet potato in a newspaper or paper bag is recommended. Put them in a cardboard box with an apple to reduce the possibility that they will sprout. Keep the box in a cellar or basement where the temperature stays between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer temperatures will make the sweet potatoes rot, while colder temperatures will cause the centre to harden. The shelf life of sweet potatoes can be extended by this storage by six months.
Freezing Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes should be peeled and chopped before being boiled or baked until done. In a large bowl, mash the cubes while adding a little lemon juice to prevent browning. The mashed sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to a year after being thoroughly cooled. Transfer the sweet potatoes to freezer bags or other airtight containers.