How to Store Cut Sweet Potato (for Meal Prep)

Storing cut sweet potato as a meal prep technique can save you time and energy when putting an actual meal together.  While there are a variety of ways for proper storage, not all are simple.  In this post, I will cover a couple of easy short-term storage methods so that you can decide what works best for you.  

Cutting sweet potatoes on your own is better than buying pre-cut ones from grocery stores.   While it's more convenient to purchase them pre-cut, they will not likely be as fresh if they have been sitting on the shelf for a while.  You can maximize the freshness and nutritional value of cut sweet potatoes if you prepare them yourself and use them within a few days. 

When it's time to make your dish with sweet potatoes, you'll be glad to already have all of the prep work done!  While they are cooking, you can focus on getting the rest of the meal squared away.

Jump to:

• What is the Best Way to Store Uncooked Sweet Potatoes?
• How Do You Keep Cut Sweet Potatoes from Turning Brown?
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• How Long Do Raw-Cut Sweet Potatoes Last in the Fridge?
• Equipment
• Top Tips
• FAQ
• Related

What is the Best Way to Store Uncooked Sweet Potatoes?

The storage technique for raw sweet potatoes (that have been cut or peeled) is different than storing raw whole sweet potatoes.  As with most root vegetables, whole sweet potatoes are best stored in a cool, dark, and dry place in your pantry.  Once sweet potatoes have been cut, they must be refrigerated in an airtight container to prevent them from browning.  Browning is caused by the oxidation process when the orange flesh is exposed to air.

This post does not cover how to freeze cut sweet potatoes for long-term storage.  This is because a different technique is required to maintain quality and avoid freezer burn.  If you need sweet potatoes on hand for the longer term, try purchasing flash-frozen sweet potatoes from the grocery store.  For meal prep, it is more convenient to use refrigerated sweet potatoes to avoid the extra step of defrosting.

How Do You Keep Cut Sweet Potatoes from Turning Brown?

There are several effective methods to keep sweet potatoes from turning brown.  The best choice depends on how you plan to use them.  At a minimum, the cut sweet potatoes have to be refrigerated in an airtight container.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before you begin.  Make sure you have a clean cutting board, chef's knife, and storage equipment on hand.  This is key to ensuring your sweet potatoes stay fresh for an extended period.  
2. If desired, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the sweet potatoes.  You may need to rinse the peeled sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris.  Be sure to dry them off with a towel before cutting.  This will remove the excess water and avoid a slippery situation.
3. Cut the potatoes according to your cooking needs.  For example, you can slice them to make sweet potato "toast", cube them for stews and salads, or cut them into strips to make sweet potato fries.

How to Store Cut Sweet Potato in the Fridge

For best results, choose the optimal storage method according to how you plan to use your sweet potatoes during the cooking process.  Here are a couple of effective ways:

1. If you plan to roast or bake, store them dry in an airtight container.  This is the better technique when making crispy oven-roasted sweet potatoes.
2. If you plan to boil or steam on the stovetop, store them in a container full of cold water. This is the most effective way to prevent any browning and dehydration.  I use this method to make mashed sweet potatoes within the next several days.  
   • It's best to use a container with an airtight lid. This helps when some of the cut sweet potatoes are not fully submerged in water.  
   • If your container does not have a lid, use foil or plastic wrap to cover it.  Alternatively, you could put a plate inside the container to weigh down the cut potatoes. This will ensure they are all submerged.

Usage

• Check for any browning or softening and discard those pieces.  If there is any odor, your stored sweet potatoes are no longer fresh and should be discarded.
• If stored in water, drain them before use.  If cooking with dry heat, pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.  Use parchment paper to prevent sticking to the baking sheet.
• Add oil right before roasting.  Avocado oil is best for high-heat cooking. Olive oil can be used for lower-heat cooking (or as a finishing oil).  Anything above 400 degrees Fahrenheit would be considered high heat.  
• When ready to cook, dry herbs can be added in advance. Fresh herbs and spices should be added after cooking.

How Long Do Raw-Cut Sweet Potatoes Last in the Fridge?

Since fresh sweet potatoes will gradually degrade during refrigeration, it's best to use them within 1-5 days.  The more time passes, the more loss in nutritional value.  When possible, try to use them for cooking within 3 days.

Here's how my cut sweet potatoes looked after 6 days of dry storage in the refrigerator.  They are much drier but still firm and editable. You may not even be able to notice the few brown specs forming. The amount of nutrient loss is likely more dramatic, especially when it comes to vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Equipment

At a minimum, you will need an airtight container to store your sweet potatoes.  Pyrex glassware, mason jars, silicone food storage bags, or even a large bowl covered with aluminum foil are good options.

A plastic container will also work, but it's best to use a glass container. This is to avoid toxins that can be absorbed from plastic materials.  Even a plastic food storage bag or freezer-safe bag can be toxic.

Top Tips

FAQ

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