How Long Sweet Potatoes Last, Plus Storage Tips

If you're wondering how long sweet potatoes last, the answer depends on how you store them and if they're raw or cooked. Raw sweet potatoes can last anywhere from a day (if cut) to a month (whole). Cooked sweet potatoes will keep from spoiling for a few days up to six months (if frozen). To help avoid food waste, we've created the following guidelines and tips on how to store sweet potatoes to last longer.

How to Tell if Sweet Potatoes Have Spoiled

In general, you should be able to tell if a raw sweet potato has gone bad by merely looking at it and using other senses. Does it smell strange? Is it soft, wet, oozing, squishy, discolored, or sprouting? If yes to any, then toss it!

If the sweet potato is firm and not sprouting, it's still fresh and safe to eat. If it's firm with only a few sprouts, you can cut the sprouted area off, then cook and eat immediately.

Storing Raw Sweet Potatoes

Stored on the counter, raw sweet potatoes generally last up to two weeks. When stored in a cool, dark, dry area (similar to a root cellar), sweet potatoes can last about a month.

Maximize their shelf life by storing them at a cool temperature. Allow for air circulation by storing sweet potatoes in a loosely covered bag or open-weave basket.

Should I Refrigerate Raw Sweet Potatoes?

Whole, raw sweet potatoes should not be refrigerated, as it can affect their taste and make them hard in the center. Do refrigerate after they've been cut, though. Covered in cold water, they last about a day.

Should I Freeze Raw Sweet Potatoes?

Freezing raw sweet potatoes tends to have the opposite effect; they'll spoil faster. To freeze raw sweet potatoes, try cutting and blanching them first. Then, place them in an airtight container and freeze them for future use.

Storing Cooked Sweet Potatoes

Cooked sweet potatoes generally keep without spoiling for a few hours when stored at room temperature. They can last three to five days if stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.

Frozen cooked sweet potatoes will keep well for up to six months. To freeze cooked sweet potatoes, follow these steps:

1. Wash your sweet potato with water and a clean scrubbing vegetable brush.
2. Roast, boil or microwave the sweet potato.
3. Mash the flesh and mix it with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
4. Let the sweet potato mixture cool.
5. Store in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.