Have you ever gotten excited to cook a dish with sweet potatoes, only to find they rotten? Before throwing them away, it’s important to know how to tell if a sweet potato is bad.
Today, we will discuss some key ways to determine whether or not it’s safe to eat the sweet potatoes in question. By learning more about what makes potatoes go bad and how long they usually stay fresh, you can ensure that your meals are always flavorful and safe.
Read on for our helpful guide on telling when there might still be life left in those spuds!
How Long Before Sweet Potato Goes Bad?
If stored properly, sweet potatoes can last for several weeks – even months. However, even when stored properly, sweet potatoes will eventually start to spoil. Generally speaking, they can stay fresh for up to three months in a cool and dry area – but this could vary depending on the variety of sweet potatoes you have.
So while it’s not always easy to tell exactly when a sweet potato has gone bad, there are some key signs you can look out for that’ll help you tell if it’s still safe to eat.
Pro Tip: You can extend the lifespan of sweet potatoes by wrapping them tightly in a sealed plastic bag and storing them in the refrigerator. This will help prevent mold or rot from setting in prematurely.
How to Tell If A Sweet Potato Is Bad?
When determining if sweet potatoes are still okay to eat, you should always pay attention to any visible changes in their appearance. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Bad smell – Sweet potatoes can start to give off a sour, ammonia-like smell when they start to go bad. This is usually the first warning sign that it’s time to throw them out!
- Discoloration – If you see any dark spots, brown spots, or discoloration on the surface of the sweet potato, it is likely gone bad and no longer edible.
- Soft and mushy – If the sweet potato is soft, squishy, or feels wet when you touch it, it’s probably gone bad.
- Mold – When sweet potatoes start to turn moldy, they’re no longer safe to eat. It’s important not to try and cut away any mold as this can spread bacteria across the surface of the potato and make it even more dangerous to eat.
- Sprouting – Sweet potatoes usually start to sprout when they’ve gone bad. If you notice any shoots or new growth on the sweet potato, then it’s likely too old and needs to be thrown out.
Although it’s not always easy to tell when a sweet potato has gone bad, following these key signs and a few simple steps can help you pick only the freshest and healthiest sweet potatoes around!
How to Store Potatoes the Right Way?
To ensure that your sweet potatoes stay fresh and safe to eat, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent them from spoiling.
Raw Potatoes
When purchasing raw sweet potatoes, make sure to check them for any signs of spoilage and only buy the ones that look fresh.
Raw potatoes can keep for several months without spoiling when stored properly. The key is to store them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and any heat sources, with an ideal temperature range of 43-50°F (6-10°C).
To further extend the shelf life of sweet potatoes, it is important to keep them in a well-ventilated area such as found in cool cellars, basements, garages or sheds.
Cooked Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes can also be stored, but they won’t last nearly as long as raw sweet potatoes. Cooked potatoes should always be cooled to room temperature before being stored in the refrigerator. When refrigerated, cooked sweet potatoes can keep for up to 3-5 days and will stay fresher for longer if stored in an airtight container.
What Happens If You Eat A Bad Sweet Potato?
Eating a bad sweet potato can have serious consequences. Spoiled sweet potatoes can contain toxins that can cause food poisoning, which is why it’s so important to check them for any signs of spoilage before you purchase or consume them.
If you suspect that you may have eaten a bad sweet potato, contact your doctor immediately and follow their advice. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea – so if you experience any of these symptoms it’s best to seek medical attention right away.
In conclusion, it’s always best to inspect a sweet potato for any signs of spoilage before eating it. Doing so can help you to avoid any potential health risks associated with eating bad sweet potatoes and keep your family safe!
