How we Cure and store sweet potatoes after the fall harvest

Curing and storing sweet potatoes after the fall harvest is essential to ensure that they develop their sweet flavor and can be stored for several months. Proper curing toughens the skin and allows the starches to convert into sugars, which gives sweet potatoes their characteristic taste. Here's how to cure and store sweet potatoes for long-lasting quality.

1. Harvesting Sweet Potatoes

Before you can begin curing, it’s important to harvest sweet potatoes at the right time. Sweet potatoes are typically ready to harvest in the fall, about 90-120 days after planting. It’s crucial to harvest them before the first frost, as frost damage can cause the tubers to rot in storage. Be gentle when digging up sweet potatoes to avoid bruising or damaging the skin.

2. Curing Sweet Potatoes

Curing is the key to developing the sweet flavor of potatoes and improving their shelf life. This process allows the skin to harden and minor injuries to heal. Follow these steps for effective curing:

• Temperature: Cure sweet potatoes at a warm temperature of 80-85°F (26-29°C) for 4-10 days. The warm environment helps convert starches to sugars, which enhances the flavor.

• Humidity: Maintain a high humidity level, around 85-90%, during curing to prevent the sweet potatoes from drying out. You can achieve this by placing the sweet potatoes in a well-ventilated space, such as a shed or garage, and covering them with a cloth or storing them in plastic bins with holes for airflow. If you're curing them indoors, try using a humidifier to keep the air moist.

• Airflow: Ensure good air circulation around the sweet potatoes to avoid mold or rot during curing. Place them in single layers in a ventilated space, and avoid stacking them.

3. Inspecting After Curing

Once the curing period is complete, inspect the sweet potatoes for any signs of damage or rot. Sweet potatoes with cuts, bruises, or signs of rot should be used right away, as they won’t store well. Only store undamaged, fully cured sweet potatoes.

4. Storing Sweet Potatoes

After curing, the sweet potatoes are ready for long-term storage. Proper storage conditions help preserve their quality and extend their shelf life:

• Temperature: Store cured sweet potatoes at 55-60°F (13-16°C). Lower temperatures (below 50°F) can cause chilling injury, leading to internal damage, while higher temperatures can encourage sprouting and spoilage.

• Humidity: The storage area should have a moderate humidity level of around 75-80%. Too much moisture can cause rot, while too little can cause the sweet potatoes to dry out.

• Dark, Ventilated Storage: Store sweet potatoes in a dark, well-ventilated area to prevent sprouting. A root cellar, basement, or cool pantry is ideal. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause rot. Instead, store them in baskets, crates, or ventilated boxes.

• Monitor Regularly: Check your stored sweet potatoes every few weeks to ensure none are rotting. Remove any that show signs of spoilage to prevent it from spreading to the rest.

5. Shelf Life

With proper curing and storage, sweet potatoes can last anywhere from 4 to 6 months. As they age, they may become sweeter due to the conversion of starches into sugars. However, if stored in the right conditions, they can stay firm and flavorful for many months.

6. Using Sweet Potatoes Over Time

To maximize freshness, use the sweet potatoes in order of their storage date. Older sweet potatoes should be consumed first. If they begin to sprout, they’re still edible, but their texture may become more fibrous. Sprouting sweet potatoes can also be used to grow new plants for the next growing season.

Tips for Successful Curing and Storage

• Avoid washing the sweet potatoes before curing or storing them, as this can introduce moisture and lead to rot. Instead, gently brush off any soil.

• Keep sweet potatoes away from light to prevent greening or sprouting.

• Avoid storing sweet potatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold temperatures can damage them and negatively affect their flavor and texture.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your sweet potatoes are properly cured and stored, allowing you to enjoy their sweet, rich flavor all winter long.