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If you’ve stumbled onto this page after typing “how long do sweet potatoes last” in your browser search bar, we know what you’re really asking: Are the sweet potatoes that’ve been sitting on my counter for weeks…okay? And what if they’re growing sprouts or leaking an unspecified liquid? We have the answers you seek.
If your sweet potatoes are already cooked, storage is fairly simple. Put your cooked sweet potatoes in a shallow container such as a GladWare® Container or a GLAD Food Storage Zipper Gallon Bag and place in the refrigerator for short-term use. Cooked sweet potatoes can last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
How long do sweet potatoes last?
Like other root vegetables, sweet potatoes are incredibly hardy—they’ll last for 3–5 weeks when stored at room temperature. If you’re tempted to toss a semi-old sweet potato in the fridge in the hopes of prolonging its shelf life, don’t. The US Sweet Potato Council warns that keeping uncooked sweet potatoes in the fridge will give them “a hard center and unpleasant taste.”
Sweet potatoes should be stored in a dry and cool (not cold!) place away from direct sunlight—the fruit basket on your counter should do just fine. Exposure to air gives the potatoes room to breathe, so a bowl with holes, a wicker basket, or even an open paper bag is ideal here.
Once cooked, sweet potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cooking and mashing sweet potatoes ahead of time is never a bad idea, especially around the holidays. To make this Almost-Classic Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving, you can roast the sweet potatoes on Monday or Tuesday, store the cooked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then assemble the casserole on the big day.
How to tell if sweet potatoes have gone bad
If your sweet potato is soft in spots, smells rotten, or oozes a mysterious liquid, that potato should be discarded. Another sign that sweet potatoes have taken a turn for the worse is if they start growing stalky purplish sprouts. “When potatoes begin to sprout, the growths have a high concentration of compounds called glycoalkaloids that can cause a sharp, unpleasant, bitter taste,” write BA staffer Antara Sinha and contributor Amiel Stanek. Not only do these sprouts not taste good, but if ingested in large quantities, they can be toxic.
If a sweet potato is growing some minor appendages but is still firm to the touch and otherwise free of blemishes, it’s A-OK to eat. Use a peeler or a small paring knife to carefully remove and discard the sprouts, then cook the potato ASAP.
How long can cooked sweet potatoes last in freezer?
FAQ
How long do mashed sweet potatoes last in the fridge?
Can you eat week old cooked sweet potatoes?
How do you know if sweet potatoes have gone bad?
How long do cooked yams last in the fridge?
How long do cooked sweet potatoes last in the freezer?
Cooked sweet potatoes can last for 10-12 months when stored properly in the freezer. It is crucial to store them in an airtight container or plastic bag designed for the freezer. The container or bag must be free of any air pockets to help prevent freezer burn.
How often can one eat sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are a healthy food source that can provide you with several benefits. But, as they contain high amounts of carbohydrates and vitamin A, it is recommended to have them in moderation about two or three times per week.
How long do cooked sweet potatoes last?
To maximize the shelf life of cooked sweet potatoes for safety and quality, refrigerate the sweet potatoes in shallow airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Properly stored, cooked sweet potatoes will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. How long can cooked sweet potatoes be left at room temperature?
How long can you keep cooked sweet potatoes thawed?
Cooked sweet potatoes that have been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking; sweet potatoes that were thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately. How to tell if cooked sweet potatoes are bad?