It can be tough to tell if a sweet potato is bad. They often look healthy from the outside, but sometimes they can go bad on the inside. In this blog post, you'll learn how to tell if a sweet potato is bad, and what to do if you find one that is spoiled.
Jump to:
- How to tell if a sweet potato is bad
- How long before a sweet potato goes bad?
- Can you still eat sweet potatoes that have sprouted?
- Is a sweet potato bad if it's white inside?
- Is it safe to eat old sweet potatoes?
- What to do with a bad sweet potato
- What happens if you eat a bad cooked sweet potato?
- How to choose good sweet potatoes?
- How to store sweet potatoes
- How to use sweet potatoes
- Recipes with sweet potatoes
- Similar articles
- Fast Facts
How to tell if a sweet potato is bad
Have you ever gone to cook a sweet potato, only to find that it's bad? It's a bummer, but it happens to the best of us. So, how do you know when a sweet potato is bad?
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. However, like all food, they can go bad if they are not stored properly. There are a few telltale signs that a sweet potato has gone bad. By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your sweet potatoes are always fresh and delicious.
- First, the sweet potato will start to develop patches of mold. These can be white, green, or black in color, and they will usually be fuzzy. If you see mold on one sweet potato, it's best to check the others to see if they have been affected as well.
- Second, sweet potatoes that have gone bad will also start to produce a sour smell. This is an indication that the sweet potato has begun to rot and should not be eaten.
- Finally, sweet potatoes that have gone bad will become mushy and soft. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to discard the sweet potato and get a new one.
- If your sweet potato begins to sprout new growth, then take a look at the length of the sprouts. The sweet potato is still edible if the sprouts are small. However, it is a sign that that the potato is going bad and should be used ASAP.
How long before a sweet potato goes bad?
When are sweet potatoes bad? How long a sweet potato lasts depends on a variety of factors, including how it was stored. Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that should be kept in cool, dark place. If stored properly, they can last for several weeks. However, if they are exposed to too much light or heat, they will begin to sprout and rot.
How long a sweet potato will last before it goes bad depends on a few different factors, such as how it was stored and how ripe it was when you bought it. Generally speaking:
- a sweet potato that has been stored in a cool, dark place will last for several weeks
- while one that was stored in a warm, bright spot may only last for a few days.
As long as the sweet potato looks and smells good, it should be safe to eat. But, if you're not sure how long your sweet potato has been sitting around, it's better to err on the side of caution and cook it before eating.
Can you still eat sweet potatoes that have sprouted?
When sweet potatoes are exposed to light or air, they will start to sprout. However, this does not mean that the sweet potato is no longer edible. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, you can still eat sweet potatoes that have sprouted. If the sweet potato is still firm, it can be cut away from the sprouts and eaten. However, if the sweet potato is mushy, moldy or has started to decay, it should be thrown away.
If you just bought sweet potatoes, but don't plan to cook them right away, you should store them in a cool, dark place. Sweet potatoes that are stored in a warm, humid environment are more likely to sprout.
Is a sweet potato bad if it's white inside?
While the vast majority of sweet potatoes are orange on the inside, there are actually several different varieties that can have white, yellow, or even purple flesh. So, if you come across a sweet potato that's white on the inside, there's no need to worry - it's perfectly safe to eat.
In fact, white-fleshed sweet potatoes are just as nutritious as their orange counterparts. They're an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you roast them, bake them, or mash them, white-fleshed sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Is it safe to eat old sweet potatoes?
Is it safe to eat sweet potatoes that have been stored for a long time? Maybe.
Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that is safe to eat when cooked properly. However, if they are old and have been stored for a long time, they may not be as safe to eat. A rotten sweet potato may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is important to cook them properly and to discard any that are old or moldy. If you are unsure whether a sweet potato is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
What to do with a bad sweet potato
If you find yourself with a bad sweet potato, there are a few things you can do to salvage it.
- First, check the sweet potato for any signs of mold or rot. If it is only slightly bad, you may be able to cut away the affected areas and still enjoy the rest of the potato. However, if the sweet potato is heavily damaged, it is best to throw it away.
- If the sweet potato is too far gone, you can compost it. Sweet potatoes break down quickly, so they make excellent compost material. Just add it to your compost bin or pile and let nature do its work.
- You can also cut it up and use it as fertilizer for your garden. Sweet potatoes are full of nutrients that are great for plants. Just make sure you chop it up into small pieces so that it doesn't take up too much space in your garden bed.
What happens if you eat a bad cooked sweet potato?
Raw sweet potatoes can last a few weeks when stored properly. Cooked sweet potatoes can last in the fridge for up to four days, but after that, they start to spoil.
Spoiled sweet potatoes can cause food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, people may also experience fever and abdominal pain. If you think you've eaten a spoiled sweet potato, it's important to see a doctor right away. While most cases of food poisoning are mild and resolve on their own, some can be more serious. So play it safe and toss out any bad sweet potatoes.
How to choose good sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, but choosing the right ones can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help you select the best sweet potatoes for your needs.
- Look for ones that are plump and firm, with smooth skin. Avoid those that are shrivelled or have blemishes.
- The sweet potato should be a uniform color throughout. If there are any green patches, it's an indication that the potato isn't ripe yet.
- Give the sweet potato a gentle squeeze. If it feels soft or mushy, it's past its prime.
With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to choose the perfect sweet potatoes for your next meal!
How to store sweet potatoes
While they can be stored in the pantry like other potatoes, there are a few things you can do to prolong their freshness.
- Sweet potatoes can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. Be sure to check on them occasionally and remove any that have begun to sprout or look withered.
- If you need to store them for longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four weeks. To prevent them from drying out, wrap them in a paper towel or placed in a perforated plastic bag. When they are stored in the fridge, they will need to be exposed to light every few days to prevent them from turning green.
- For the longest storage, sweet potatoes can be peeled and cut into cubes and frozen. Frozen sweet potatoes will keep for up to six months.
- Cooked sweet potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Be sure to place them in an airtight container before refrigerating.
- Cooked sweet potatoes can also be frozen for up to six months. Again, be sure to use an airtight container and label it with the date before freezing.
How to use sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, boiling, and roasting.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy sweet potatoes is to bake them and then top them with a sweet or savory topping. Another way to use sweet potatoes is to slice them into thin chips and roast them in the oven. Sweet potato chips make a healthy and delicious alternative to regular potato chips. Finally, sweet potatoes can also be used in soups and stews to add color and flavor.
So, next time you're looking for a versatile ingredient, reach for sweet potatoes. With so many ways to use them, you're sure to find a favorite way to enjoy this tasty vegetable.
Recipes with sweet potatoes
Similar articles
Fast Facts
- A sweet potato that has been stored in a cool, dark place will last for several weeks.
- The best way to tell if a sweet potato has gone bad is to look for signs of mold, sour smells, and texture changes.
- Instead of tossing a spoiled sweet potato, use it as fertilizer or compost it.
Now that you know how to tell if a sweet potato is bad, what other foods do you want to learn about? Let me know in the comments below and I'll be sure to answer them as best I can.
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