How To Store Sweet Potatoes (Uncut, Cut)

Sweet potatoes are a healthy, budget-friendly staple I’ve been cooking with for many years. They’re great mashed, baked, roasted, or in soups. But how you store them matters!

Store them right and they’ll last up to 3 months, store them wrong and they’ll sprout or turn mushy fast.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to keep sweet potatoes fresh whether they’re whole, cut, in the fridge, on the counter, or even in the freezer.

Selecting Sweet Potatoes

Start with good-quality sweet potatoes. Choose ones that are:

• Firm to the touch (no soft spots)
• Smooth-skinned without cuts or bruises
• Evenly sized for consistent cooking later

Avoid any with sprouting ends, wrinkled skin, or dark spots. These are already on their way out.

How To Store Sweet Potatoes Whole (Uncut)

• Room temperature: The best way to store uncut sweet potatoes is in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place like a pantry or cellar. Aim for 55–60°F if possible. Stored this way, they can last up to 3 months.
• On the counter: If you don’t have a pantry, keep them in a basket on the counter away from sunlight and heat. They’ll last about 1–2 weeks.
• Never refrigerate raw sweet potatoes: The cold temperature alters their texture, making them hard in the center and less flavorful when cooked.

How To Store Cut Sweet Potatoes

Once cut, sweet potatoes need a little extra care:

• Raw, cut pieces: Place them in an airtight container filled with water and refrigerate. Change the water daily. They’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days.
• Cooked sweet potatoes: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. Perfect for meal prep—think roasted cubes for grain bowls or mashed for an easy side.

How To Store Sweet Potatoes In The Fridge

• Cut or peeled raw: Keep submerged in cold water in an airtight container. Use within 2–3 days.
• Cooked: Store in a sealed container. They’ll keep for 4–5 days, making them great for meal prepping recipes like sweet potato soup or casseroles.

Freezing Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes freeze beautifully once cooked. Here’s how:

• Bake or boil until tender.
• Mash or cut into cubes.
• Let cool, then place in freezer bags or airtight containers.
• Freeze for up to 6 months.

Frozen sweet potatoes are great for smoothies, soups, or quick weeknight sides.

Mix & Match: Ways To Use Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potato Soup With Coconut Milk
• Sweet Potato Lentil Stew
• Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes With Bacon And Cheese
• Tex-Mex Ground Beef And Sweet Potato Skillet

Sweet Potatoes: FAQs

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