Where Can I Store Sweet Potatoes and Keep Bugs Away? Proven Methods
The sweet potatoes I bought were eaten by bugs. Where can I store sweet potatoes to prevent pest infestation?
Where Can I Store Sweet Potatoes and Keep Bugs Away?
Sweet potatoes are prone to being infested by insects, sprouting, or even rotting if stored improperly, especially in warm and humid environments where rotting is even more likely. Here are some small tips for storing sweet potatoes that can effectively prevent pests and diseases.
In a Dry, Cool, and Well-Ventilated Place
An environment that is dry, at a low temperature, and well-ventilated is most suitable for storing sweet potatoes. You can either spread the sweet potatoes flat directly on the ground or put them in burlap sacks. Keep them dry and store them in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place. This method can effectively prevent sweet potatoes from deteriorating. During the storage period, avoid direct sunlight, otherwise, it will accelerate the sprouting of sweet potatoes.
Storage in a Cardboard Box
You can also get a dry cardboard box. First, spread a layer of waste newspaper at the bottom, then put the sweet potatoes in it, with one layer of newspaper and one layer of sweet potatoes. This facilitates moisture absorption and pest prevention. After packing, place the cardboard box in a dry, low-temperature, and well-ventilated place for storage.
Storage in a Cellar
If you have a large number of sweet potatoes at home and also have a cellar, then store the sweet potatoes in the cellar. The temperature and humidity in the cellar are relatively stable, which can reduce the activity of pests. Note that before storing, clean the cellar thoroughly and sprinkle some lime powder for disinfection. At the same time, do not pile the sweet potatoes up. Spread them out flat with some space left for air circulation.
Sand Storage Method
Find a dry and well-ventilated place, spread a layer of clean fine sand, place the sweet potatoes on it, and then cover them with another layer of sand. This method can maintain the moisture of sweet potatoes and prevent pest infestation, thus extending the shelf life.
When using the sand storage method for storage, note that the sand should be clean, dry, and fine. Place it in a cool and well-ventilated place. It is best to control the temperature at 10 - 15°C and the humidity at around 85%-90%.
How Often Should Sweet Potatoes Be Inspected When Using the Sand Storage Method?
To avoid the rotting or sprouting of sweet potatoes, it is necessary to regularly inspect the sweet potatoes.
It is recommended to inspect them every 10 - 15 days. When inspecting, mainly check the humidity of the sand and the condition of the sweet potatoes. If the sand is too dry, you can spray an appropriate amount of water to keep it moist. If you find that some sweet potatoes are starting to rot, promptly pick them out to prevent the spread to other sweet potatoes.
Can You Store Sweet Potatoes in the Fridge?
Of course, you can.
If you have a small number of sweet potatoes at home, use a paper towel to wipe off the dust on the surface of the sweet potatoes. Note that you should not wash them, otherwise, it will reduce the storage time. Put the wiped sweet potatoes into a fresh-keeping bag, seal it tightly, and then put it in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment. At a temperature of 4 - 10°C, it is no problem to store them for 10 - 15 days.
However, it should be noted that sweet potatoes may become hard and the taste may deteriorate at low temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to store them for a short period of time to avoid affecting the taste if stored for too long.
How to Store Sweet Potatoes Once Cut?
Firstly, the simplest and most common method is to put the cut sweet potatoes in the refrigerator for cold storage. Under low-temperature conditions, the storage time of sweet potatoes can be extended. However, it should be noted that they should be cooked and eaten as soon as possible to avoid affecting the taste.
If you want to store them for a longer period of time, you can place the cut sweet potato slices or pieces in a well-ventilated place and let the sweet potatoes dry naturally for a while to remove excess moisture and prevent them from getting moldy and deteriorating.
In addition, you can also wrap the sweet potatoes with newspaper or toilet paper and then seal them in a plastic bag for storage. The newspaper or toilet paper can absorb the excess moisture, and the plastic bag can lock in the moisture inside the sweet potatoes to maintain freshness. This method is suitable for storing for 1 day.
How Long Is Cooked Sweet Potato Good for in the Fridge?
Refrigerator's cold storage compartment (4°C):
Whole with skin: 3 days
Cut and sealed: 2 days
Mashed: 24 hours
Freezer (-18°C):
Whole wrapped in tin foil: 30 days
Cut and vacuum-packed: 60 days
Sweet potato puree: 45 days
How to Select Sweet Potatoes
Observe the Appearance
When selecting, observe the appearance of the sweet potatoes. Usually, the skin of high-quality sweet potatoes should be smooth without cracks, and there should be no black spots or wormholes. Avoid choosing sweet potatoes with wrinkled, soft, or blackened exteriors, as these may be signs of moisture absorption or spoilage.
Check the Hardness
You can judge the freshness of sweet potatoes by gently squeezing them. Usually, high-quality sweet potatoes should feel relatively hard. If the sweet potato can be easily flattened by squeezing, it may no longer be fresh or there may be internal problems.
Smell the Odor
Fresh sweet potatoes emit a faint sweet fragrance. If you smell a musty or pungent odor, it indicates that the sweet potatoes may have spoiled.
Select the Right Variety
There are diverse varieties of sweet potatoes, and different varieties are suitable for different cooking methods. For example, yellow-hearted sweet potatoes are high in sweetness and have a powdery and waxy texture, making them suitable for roasting or steaming.
Purple sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are rich in anthocyanins and are suitable for cooking porridge or making desserts. You can select the appropriate sweet potato variety according to personal preferences and cooking needs.
