Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Tips for Choosing, Handling, and Storing Sweet Potatoes

Selection

Sweet Potatoes from North Carolina are available to enjoy all year long!
Choose a sweet potato that is firm, has a even skin coloration, and has a fairly even shape.
A sweet potato with a deeper orange color will yield more nutritional value.
Sweet Potatoes with signs of decay or signs of shriveling should be avoided.
Do not worry about small surface nicks on the sweet potato.

Handling

Storage

Raw Sweet Potatoes should NOT be stored in the refrigerator. Storing raw sweet potatoes in the refrigerator produces a hard core and reduces the eating quality and texture of the sweet potato.
Sweet Potatoes should be stored in cool, dry places in well ventilated containers. A temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit works best for sweet potatoes.
After purchasing, plan to use your sweet potatoes within one or two weeks for best flavor, texture, and freshness.
Once cooked, sweet potatoes freeze very well. Wrap whole, cooked, un-peeled sweet potatoes individually in foil or plastic wrap. Place the sweet potatoes in freezer bags and be sure to label and date the bags before placing into the freezer.