How To Store Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a delicious vegetable to have on hand. Not only are they nutritious, they can last a while once you learn how to store sweet potatoes properly—and, no, it isn’t complicated!

I hated sweet potatoes as a kid. I think my mom baked them and the sugar dripped out, which would smell like it was burning in the oven. Then one day as an adult, I had them roasted and realized they were the most amazing thing. Well, one of the most amazing things.

Now I’ve roasted them, baked them, and pureed them into bread, hummus, and a bean dip. They’re full of flavor and my family LOVES them! So, it’s no surprise we almost always have them in our cupboard to make for dinner!

How to Store Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, like potatoes and onions, can have a long shelf life if stored properly. And like those others, sweet potatoes like cool, dark places with good airflow.

I keep them in a cupboard near my prep area in the kitchen, stored in my stacking bowls. I keep them dry and don’t wash them until I’m ready to use them. In summer months, when our house is naturally warmer, sweet potatoes don’t last quite as long as the cooler winter months, so I tend to buy them in smaller quantities and more often.

Where to Store Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes last longest in cool (not cold), dark, and well-ventilated places. Here are the best options for storing your sweet potatoes.

Pantry

If you have a pantry, you can store sweet potatoes here. Try to store them in a basket or cardboard box to allow for airflow. If possible, keep them away from heat sources and in a spot with minimal light.

If you can, try to store them in a place that gets the least natural and overhead light.

Cool Cupboard

A cool cupboard is ideal for storing sweet potatoes for those of us without a cellar or basement. The cupboard blocks light and limits heat while still allowing airflow.

Basement or Root Cellar

If you have a basement or root cellar, you can store your sweet potatoes here—as long as the space stays cool and doesn’t get close to freezing. And make sure there aren’t any critters in the area that might eat your veggies.

Can You Store Sweet Potatoes in the Fridge?

While a lot of produce is stored in the refrigerator, you don’t want to store whole, raw sweet potatoes in the refrigerator. The cold temperature can affect the flavor and texture of sweet potatoes and cause what’s known as chilling injury. Instead, store raw sweet potatoes somewhere cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated.

Once they’re cooked, however, the refrigerator is exactly where you want them. Store cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container and they’ll keep for about 5–7 days.

How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Last?

Depending on where and how you store your raw sweet potatoes, they can actually last up to two months. Once they’re cooked, they can last about a week in the refrigerator or much longer in the freezer.

Storage Method	How Long Sweet Potatoes Last
Countertop / Room Temperature	1–2 weeks
Cool, Dark Pantry / Cellar (55–60°F)	1–2 months
Cut Raw Sweet Potatoes	About 1 day in cold water in the refrigerator
Cooked Sweet Potatoes — Refrigerator	5–7 days in an airtight container
Cooked Sweet Potatoes — Freezer	6–12 months

One of the biggest factors in how long sweet potatoes last is the temperature where you store them. As I mentioned above, mine tend to last longer during the cooler winter months than they do in summer when our house naturally gets warmer. Even a small difference in temperature can make a difference in how long fresh produce stays in good shape.

How to Tell If a Sweet Potato Has Gone Bad

Sometimes it’s hard to know when something has gone bad. When it comes to sweet potatoes, a few small sprouts don’t necessarily mean a sweet potato is spoiled. If the potato is still firm, smells normal, and has no mold or soft or rotting areas, you can cut off the sprouts and use it.

If your sweet potato has any of the following characteristics, however, it’s time to move it along:

• Soft, mushy, or squishy spots
• Dark or black areas
• Mold
• Leaking or oozing
• Very shriveled skin
• Unpleasant or sour smell
• Inside is discolored, unusually soft, or slimy

What to Make with Sweet Potatoes

I’ve been waiting for this section because it’s my favorite. Sweet potatoes are delicious in sweet and savory recipes. Below are my favorite sweet potato recipes. I feel like it’s important to note, however, that we love roasted sweet potatoes in our tacos and I don’t have that in any of these recipes!

Sweet Potato Bread

If you love the cozy, warmly spiced flavor of pumpkin bread, you’ll want to add this sweet potato bread recipe to your fall baking list. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, and plenty of warm spices, this tender quick bread is a delicious way to use seasonal sweet potatoes and makes a lovely breakfast, afternoon snack, or simple fall dessert.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl

Sweet potatoes are just as delicious in savory meals as they are in baked goods, and this sweet potato breakfast bowl is an easy example. Roasted sweet potatoes pair with savory sausage, hearty grains, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal that works especially well for hearty breakfasts, weeknight dinners, and make-ahead lunches.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

For an easy meatless meal, these vegan stuffed sweet potatoes turn a simple baked sweet potato into something hearty and flavorful. The sweet, creamy potato is loaded with savory toppings for a filling dinner that’s perfect for a cozy fall meal and easy enough for a weeknight.

7 Layer Sweet Potato Bean Dip

This vegan sweet potato bean dip is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic party dip. Sweet potatoes and beans create a creamy, satisfying base, while savory seasonings add plenty of flavor, making it a great option for fall snacking, holiday entertaining, or serving alongside fresh vegetables and tortilla chips.

Sweet Potato Hummus

For a fun twist on a classic dip, this sweet potato hummus combines creamy chickpeas with roasted sweet potato for a naturally sweet, savory spread. It’s an easy fall appetizer or snack to serve with fresh vegetables, pita, or crackers, and a delicious way to put seasonal sweet potatoes to use.

Sweet Potato Appetizer Cups

If you’re looking for a sweet potato appetizer that feels a little more special, these sweet potato appetizer cups are a fun option for fall entertaining. Bite-sized and easy to serve, they combine sweet potato with savory toppings for a festive appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy night in.

Sweet Potato Toast Toppings

These mashed sweet potato toasts are a simple, creative way to turn sweet potatoes into a satisfying snack or light meal. Creamy mashed sweet potato is spread over crisp toast and finished with flavorful toppings, making this an easy recipe to customize for breakfast, lunch, or a quick fall bite.