Yes, a number of things can lead to sweet potato rot, such as improper storage, exposure to bad weather, and the growth of bacteria or mold. The length of time sweet potatoes remain fresh on the shelf depends on several factors, including temperature, storage methods, and freshness level. Uncooked sweet potatoes have a longer shelf life than cooked ones since they are perishable and can go bad very quickly if not stored correctly.
Why Do Sweet Potatoes Become Bad?
Sweet potatoes lose their flavor quickly due to their high water content, making them perishable. Storing them in a warm area speeds up the decaying process. To prevent this, choose the freshest sweet potatoes you can find and store them away from heat and moisture. When managing the shelf life of sweet potatoes, remember that whole, uncooked potatoes last longer than ones that have been peeled or cooked. You should also consider frying, baking, and warming. To stop them from rotting any further, keep them away from other fruits and vegetables that release ethylene gas.
Elements Impacting the Shelf Life of Sweet Potatoes:
Conditions of Storage: Sweet potatoes need to be kept correctly to retain their freshness. They should be kept in a cool, dark place with enough ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to the growth of mold and deterioration.
Temperature: Sweet potatoes should be stored at room temperature for the three to five weeks that they are typically maintained in storage. To extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three months.
Freshness: Fresh sweet potatoes have a lower chance of going bad than older or damaged ones. Sweet potatoes may degrade more quickly if they have bruising, soft areas, or mildew before keeping.
Indices That Sweet Potatoes Are Spoiled
Mold Growth: Sweet potatoes should be thrown out immediately if they have mold forming on their surface. The compounds that mold produces have the potential to be harmful if consumed.
Bad Smell: A bad or sour scent may come from bacterial growth in damaged sweet potatoes. If sweet potatoes smell terrible, they should not be consumed.
Soft Texture: As they decay, sweet potatoes can become squishy, slimy, or mushy. If you see any of these characteristics in your sweet potatoes, they are certainly past their prime.
Discoloration: Discolored patches, especially those that are dark or black, may be a sign that the sweet potatoes are spoilt. Fresh sweet potatoes have a vibrant color and a robust texture.
How Long Can Sweet Potatoes Be Stored?
Proper Storage: Keep sweet potatoes cold, dark, and well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and the growth of mold. Sweet potatoes will deteriorate more quickly if they are kept near onions or other plants that emit ethylene gas.
Check Frequently: When checking sweet potatoes, keep an eye out for any signs of deterioration, such as mushy spots, the growth of mildew, or odd smells. Eliminate any damaged sweet potatoes to prevent the mold from spreading to further tubers.
Make Use of Proper Packaging Use breathable bags or containers to store sweet potatoes in order to maintain ventilation and prevent moisture buildup. Avoid using plastic bags and airtight jars since they may retain moisture and accelerate rotting.
How to Tell If a Sweet Potato Is Bad.
You may spot a rotting sweet potato by checking for the following signs:
Softening or squishiness: Because sweet potatoes contain a lot of water, they will get softer with age.
Discoloration or dark patches: Brown or black dots on the skin indicate deterioration.
Sprouting: Sweet potatoes should not be consumed to avoid disease if they have sprouted and are past their prime.
Mold: Visibly visible signs of deterioration include surface-level mold. If the sweet potato has mold on it, do not eat it.
