Can sweet potatoes be peeled ahead of time?

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Page last updated: 02/08/2022 | Next review date: 02/08/2024
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In this article, we will answer the question “Can sweet potatoes be peeled ahead of time?”, and how to store cut and peeled sweet potatoes?

Can sweet potatoes be peeled ahead of time?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be peeled ahead of time. They will keep fresh in the fridge for 1-3 days. Use within 24 hours of refrigerating to enjoy the maximum taste.

How to store cut and peeled sweet potatoes safely?

Refrigerate the sweet potatoes within 1-2 hours of cutting and peeling or else they will turn brown and eventually develop a slimy surface and soft spots. 

In the fridge

Place the peeled or cut sweet potatoes in a bowl full of cold water. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and keep the fridge. Drain when you are ready to cook with them.

In the freezer

To freeze-store sweet potatoes, peel the skin off to minimize the risk of bacterial growth. Blanch the sweet potatoes for 2-3 minutes and pat dry using paper towels. Put the diced sweet potatoes in freezer bags or vacuum seal bags for up to 6 months. Thaw the frozen sweet potatoes in the fridge and use them within 24 hours of thawing.

How to peel and cut sweet potatoes into cubes?

  • First of all, wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly with water to get rid of all the debris. A light scrub is recommended to remove the stuck-on dirt. 
  • Use the peeler or a small knife to remove the sweet potato skin. 
  • Place the peeled sweet potato onto a cutting board. Hold it with the help of your non-dominant hand such that your fingers are slightly curled towards your palm. 
  • Cut the sweet potato into cubes of desirable size using your dominant hand. It is recommended to cut the edges of the potato to make it into a rectangular shape which is easier to work with.
  • Make 2-3 equidistant cuts into this rectangular-shaped sweet potato, lengthwise. Make an equal number of parallel cuts perpendicular to these cuts to make cubes. 

Other FAQs about Potatoes which you may be interested in.

Can deer eat potatoes?

Can sweet potatoes be cut ahead of time?

Mistakes you might be making with sweet potatoes 

Buying defective sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes with cuts, bruises, blemishes, and gouges are a big no, especially If you intend to make whole-baked sweet potatoes. 

If you have already bought the bad sweet potatoes, you can cut out the damaged part and cut the rest of the potatoes into cubes to be used as a side dish.

Storing them in the fridge 

The temperature of the fridge is too cold for the sweet potatoes. They will end up becoming hard from the core. The best way to store sweet potatoes is to keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Skipping the washing step 

Sweet potato is a root and grows underground. It, sure, has a lot of dirt and debris which ought to be removed with thorough washing. A firm scrub using a vegetable brush is better to get all the dirt off the surface.

Peeling the skin 

The skin of the sweet potato is not only nutritious but also helps cook the sweet potato to a soft texture. Besides, It is edible and does not have a distinct taste. 

Boiling them for sweet potato pie 

Boiling or steaming the sweet potatoes for making pie will make them watery and dilute the sweetness. Your best bet is to bake the sweet potatoes. This will also help concentrate the flavor.

Baking them without poking holes in the skin 

By poking holes in the potato, you are allowing the steam to escape that builds up during baking. This will prevent your potato from exploding and creating a mess in the oven.

Not checking If the potato is cooked 

An undercooked sweet potato is hard and crunchy and nobody likes that. The cooking time of the sweet potato varies with the size and thickness. 

After 45 minutes of cooking/boiling or baking, prick the potato to check If It is cooked.

Using the microwave to cook sweet potatoes 

Baking sweet potatoes are very time-consuming. This might tempt you into microwaving sweet potatoes which only take about 5 minutes. 

But there is a huge difference in the quality and texture of the finished product. Sweet potato cooked in the microwave will be extremely mushy in some areas while being hard in others. 

Your best bet is to cook the sweet potatoes at once in the oven and store them in the fridge for later use.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “Can sweet potatoes be peeled ahead of time?”, and how to store cut and peeled sweet potatoes?

References

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes Without Making Common Mistakes

https://www.livestrong.com/article/554764-how-to-peel-and-cube-sweet-potatoes-ahead/

How To Store Cut Sweet Potatoes & Stop Them Drying Out

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