Are you wondering how to tell if sweet potatoes are bad?
It can be tricky to tell when it comes to this tasty, starchy vegetable.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can use to determine whether or not the sweet potato that’s in your pantry is still edible.
In this article, we will break down the various ways that how to tell if sweet potatoes are bad, so you’ll know what precautions to take with all your future meals featuring them!
Why You Should Choose Sweet Potatoes for Meals?
Sweet potatoes are a perfect choice! Not only do they taste delicious, but they also contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals. There’s no limit to the possibilities you can create with these nutritious root vegetables – from soups and stews to casseroles or simply cooked on their own!
From sweet potato fries to mashed sweet potatoes to delicious casseroles—you name it, and there’s probably a way you can use sweet potatoes to make it.
Nutrition of Sweet Potatoes
Before you can identify how to tell if a sweet potato has gone bad, it’s important to understand the nutritional benefits of this versatile vegetable. Sweet potatoes are often praised for their variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A and C, iron, calcium, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants that help protect your body from inflammation as well as blood sugar control.
How to Tell If Sweet Potatoes Are Bad
The most obvious sign that a sweet potato has gone bad is the appearance. If the outside of the potato looks discolored, wrinkled, and/or appears to have spots or mold on it, then it’s likely past its prime and should not be eaten.
How to Tell The Appearance If Sweet Potatoes Are Bad
If you suspect that sweet potato has gone bad, inspect it closely for any of these signs:
– A wrinkled or dull skin.
– Areas that are soft or mushy.
– Dark spots on the surface.
– Mold growing anywhere on the sweet potato.
And you can’t just say your sweet potatoes are bad outside, let’s turn to how to tell if sweet potatoes are bad outside to get more clear information.
How to Tell If Sweet Potatoes Are Bad Inside
If the exterior of a sweet potato looks fine, you can always cut it open to check the interior. If the inside is discolored in any way, including brown or black spots, then the sweet potato should be discarded.
How to Tell If Cooked Sweet Potatoes Are Bad
If you have cooked sweet potatoes, there are several signs to look out for:
– The sweet potato has an off odor.
– It has a slippery and pulpy consistency.
– It has gone bad in any other way (discoloration, spots, mold, etc.).
How to Test The Sweet Potatoes
If you want to be extra sure that a sweet potato is still okay to eat, you can perform the “sniff test.” Simply take a whiff of the potato and if it smells off in any way, then it’s best not to eat it.
Ways to Store Sweet Potatoes
Uncooked Sweet Potatoes
If you want to make sure your sweet potatoes stay good for as long as possible, try these storage tips:
– Keep them in a cool, dry place.
– Don’t put them in the refrigerator – cold temperatures can cause sweet potatoes to spoil faster.
– Store unpeeled sweet potatoes in an open container, such as a basket, to allow the air to circulate.
– Discard any sweet potatoes that have gone bad.
Cooked Sweet Potatoes
It’s important to store cooked sweet potatoes properly, as well. Here’s how:
– Store in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator.
– Eat within a few days for best results.
– If you don’t plan on eating the sweet potatoes within a few days, freeze them for later.
– Discard any cooked sweet potatoes that have gone bad.
How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Last in The Pantry?
If you’ve stored your sweet potatoes correctly in a cool, dry place, they should last anywhere from two to four weeks. It’s important to check them regularly and discard any that have started to go bad.
Knowing how to tell if sweet potatoes are bad can save you from making an unpleasant culinary mistake! If you ever come across a suspicious potato, make sure to inspect it for discoloration or mold before consuming it. If the sweet potato looks or smells off in any way, it’s best to discard it and opt for a fresher one.
With these tips, you can make sure every meal featuring sweet potatoes is just as tasty and nutritious as you planned it to be!
FAQs of How To Tell If Sweet Potatoes Are Bad
What’s wrong if eating sweet potatoes have dark spots?
If there are dark spots on a sweet potato, it may be a sign that the vegetable has gone bad and should not be eaten. It’s important to inspect all sweet potatoes before consuming them to make sure that they aren’t spoiled.
Can I eat if sweet potatoes have white stuff?
If you notice any white stuff on a sweet potato, it may be a sign of mold growth. It’s best to discard any sweet potatoes that show signs of mold in order to avoid potential illness.
Can you eat sweet potatoes if they are wrinkled?
Wrinkled sweet potatoes should not be eaten as this can be a sign that the vegetable has gone bad. It’s best to discard any wrinkled sweet potatoes and opt for fresher ones instead.
What is the shelf life of cooked sweet potatoes?
Cooked sweet potatoes should be eaten within a few days for the best results. If you don’t plan on eating them right away, you can freeze them for later. It’s important to discard any cooked sweet potatoes that have gone bad.
Are sweet potatoes OK if they have mold?
No, sweet potatoes that show signs of mold should not be eaten. It’s important to inspect all sweet potatoes before consuming them to make sure that they are not spoiled in any way. If you notice any mold on a sweet potato, it’s best to discard it and acquire a newer one.
What should I do with sprouted sweet potatoes?
Sprouted sweet potatoes should not be eaten as this can be a sign that they have gone bad. It’s best to discard any sprouted sweet potatoes and opt for fresher ones instead.
Can I plant sprouted sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can plant sprouted sweet potatoes in the soil. Be sure to cover the entire potato with soil and keep it moist while waiting for the sprouts to emerge.
What happens if I eat bad sweet potatoes?
Eating bad sweet potatoes can lead to food poisoning and other unpleasant symptoms. It’s important to inspect all sweet potatoes before consuming them to make sure that they are not spoiled in any way. If you have any doubts if the sweet potato is spoiled, it’s best to throw it away and acquire a newer one.
Are sweet potatoes suitable for eating clean?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a nutritious and low-calorie option for eating clean. They are packed with vitamins and minerals and can be cooked in a variety of ways to create healthy meals.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell if sweet potatoes are bad can save you from making an unpleasant culinary mistake. Be sure to inspect all sweet potatoes for discoloration or mold before consuming them. If the sweet potato looks or smells off in any way, it’s best to discard it and opt for a fresher one. Store unpeeled sweet potatoes in an open container and cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container. The shelf life of uncooked sweet potatoes is two to four weeks, while the shelf life of cooked sweet potatoes is a few days.
If you follow these tips at David Burke Kitchen, you can make sure every meal featuring sweet potatoes is as tasty and nutritious as you planned it to be!