Sweet Potatoes

How to Choose the Best

Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes with few eyes. Coloring may range from a yellow-tan to light rose-orange. Do not purchase sweet potatoes that are soft, bruised, wrinkled or have cuts in the skin.

Shelf Life and Storage

Sweet potatoes should be kept dry and stored in a cool, dark, well ventilated place. Stored this way, sweet potatoes will remain fresh for about two weeks. After two weeks, check the sweet potato for soft spots or wrinkly skin.

Freezing

Mashed, baked or fried sweet potatoes can be frozen up to two months. It is not recommended to freeze raw sweet potatoes because they are readily available year round.

Preparation Suggestions

Sweet potatoes are excellent roasted or steamed. Try adding them to soups or stews as a thickener or pureeing them with dried fruits or nuts. They are a classic autumn side dish when cooked with molasses or honey and topped with marshmallows. Sweet potatoes make an excellent addition to creamy curries and are delicious in sweet items like breads, muffins, pies and pudding.