Last Updated on April 21, 2023 by Shari Mason
Getting dinner on the table during the week can be challenging. If you’re short on time, can you peel sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Can you easily prep and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them?
This blog post will share if you can prep sweet potatoes in advance, saving your family time.
Is It Okay To Peel Sweet Potatoes Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can peel and cut sweet potatoes ahead of time – say 24 hours – before you cook them, as long as you keep them in the fridge.
When it comes to peeling sweet potatoes [1], there are two schools of thought. Some people believe it’s best to do it right before cooking, as this helps preserve the nutrients in the skin.
Others argue that peeling sweet potatoes ahead of time makes them easier to cook with, as the skin can be quite tough.
Read: What To Substitute For Milk In Mashed Potatoes?
Can You Cut Them Up Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can cut up sweet potatoes ahead of time. However, a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your sweet potatoes stay fresh and delicious.
First, make sure to wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly before cutting them.
Then, cut them into small pieces so that they will cook evenly.
Finally, store the cut sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
These simple tips allow you to enjoy delicious and healthy sweet potatoes anytime.
Read: What Are The Best Potatoes For Curry?
How To Store Uncooked Whole Sweet Potatoes
If you don’t know how to store uncooked sweet potatoes properly, they can quickly go bad. Here are a few tips for storing uncooked sweet potatoes:
First, ensure that the sweet potatoes are clean and dry before storing them. If they’re dirty or wet, they’re more likely to rot.
Second, place the sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard is ideal.
Third, if you’re going to store them for more than a week or two, wrap the sweet potatoes in a newspaper or a paper bag to help them stay fresh longer.
Fourth, check on the sweet potatoes regularly and throw out any that have started to sprout or look wrinkled or mushy.
Read: How Far In Advance Can You Buy Beef Tenderloin?
How To Store Sliced Sweet Potatoes
If you’ve cut up sweet potatoes but don’t plan on cooking them right away, it’s important to store them properly. Otherwise, they can quickly spoil.
To keep your sweet potatoes fresh, start by placing them in a container of cold water. This will help to keep them from drying out.
Then, store the container in the fridge and change the water every few days.
If you want to keep your sweet potatoes for longer, you can place them in a resealable bag and store them in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. But should you eat sweet potato with sprouts?
How Long Can Peeled Sweet Potatoes Last In The Fridge?
Peeled sweet potatoes can last up to a week in the fridge when stored properly. To extend their shelf life, store them in a container with a tight-fitting lid or wrap them in plastic.
Before placing them in the fridge, ensure they are dry and free of dirt or debris. When it comes to sweet potatoes, fresher is always better.
However, if you need to store them for longer than a week, you can keep them in the freezer.
Whether you’re storing them in the fridge or freezer, peeled sweet potatoes will last the longest when kept away from other produce. So be sure to give them their own space in your kitchen.
Read: Why Are Sweet Potatoes So Hard To Cut?
Can You Freeze Peeled Sweet Potatoes?
Peeled and sliced sweet potatoes can be frozen, but they must be blanched first. Blanching is a quick cooking method that helps preserve the vegetables’ color, flavor, and texture.
To blanch sweet potatoes, boil them for two minutes, then immediately place them in ice water. Once they are cooled, drain them well and pat them dry before freezing.
Frozen sweet potatoes can be stored for up to six months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then cook as desired.
FAQs
Do you peel sweet potatoes before roasting?
Some people like to peel sweet potatoes before roasting, but the skin becomes crispy and provides a nice contrast in texture to the soft flesh.
You can always peel them off after roasting if you’re not a fan of eating crispy skins.
Do you have to peel sweet potatoes for fries?
Yes, you do have to peel sweet potatoes for fries. The skin of a sweet potato is thick and fibrous, and it doesn’t cook evenly or taste very good when eaten raw.
You’ll get a much crispier and tastier finished product by peeling the sweet potatoes.
Should you peel sweet potatoes before boiling them?
There is no need to peel sweet potatoes before boiling them. Most of the nutrients and fiber are in the skin, so it’s best to leave it on. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes well before boiling them.
How long can uncooked sweet potato sit out?
It’s best to store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place. They will last for about two weeks if stored in this way.
It’s also safe to store them in the refrigerator, which will last up to four weeks. If you choose to freeze sweet potatoes, they will stay fresh for up to six months.
Key Takeaways
Peeling sweet potatoes ahead of time can help you save precious minutes when preparing a meal.
By peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes before you need them, you’ll be able to speed up the cooking process and get your food on the table faster.
If you’re short on time, peeling sweet potatoes ahead of time is a great way to make sure you can still enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.
Reference:
- https://www.southernliving.com/food/veggies/potatoes/sweet-potato/how-to-peel-sweet-potatoes
- Jose Peppers Salsa Recipe & Guide (2023 Updated) - June 3, 2023
- Big Mac vs Quarter Pounder: Which is Better? (2023 Updated) - June 3, 2023
- Deep Dish vs Pan Pizza: What’s the Difference? (2023 Guide) - June 3, 2023