Storing and Preparing

When you go shopping for sweet potatoes, choose firm ones that don’t have bruises, soft spots or cracks. If your supermarket unwisely put them in a refrigerated area of the produce section, leave them alone. The cold will alter their taste and make them bitter. You want a sweet potato, not a bitter potato!

After bringing home your bounty, keep the sweet potato in a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated place. They will usually stay fresh for about 10 days. A brown paper bag with multiple air holes is the ideal place to put them. Just make sure the cupboard where you store them does not absorb excess heat from the stove or other sources.

If you buy an organic sweet potato, you can eat it as is; some stores treat them with dye or wax, so you’ll likely want to peel the skin off before consuming it. You can do that after cooking them. Just make sure to prepare them after cooking or cutting because they darken on contact with air. If you prep them before cooking, keep them immersed in water to prevent oxidation.

How you enjoy your sweet potato is a matter of personal taste. Just keep in mind that they’re not just for Thanksgiving or other holidays. The sweet potato is a perfectly good dish to serve with just about any meal.