Last updated on May 12, 2025
Keeping sweet potatoes fresh and high-quality after harvest isn’t just about tossing them in a cool, dark place. It requires the right post-harvest handling, curing, and storage techniques to prevent spoilage, extend shelf life, and maintain their natural sweetness. Whether you’re a commercial farmer or a home gardener, here’s how to do it right.
Why Proper Post-Harvest Handling Matters
Sweet potatoes are highly perishable. Without proper handling, they can develop rot, shrivel, or lose flavor. Research shows that post-harvest losses in sweet potatoes can reach up to 25-30% due to poor storage conditions (FAO). But with the right approach, you can keep them fresh for up to 12 months!
Step 1: Curing – The Secret to Long-Lasting Sweet Potatoes
Curing is a must if you want to store sweet potatoes long-term. It toughens the skin, heals wounds, and enhances their natural sweetness.
How to Cure Sweet Potatoes Properly
- Temperature & Humidity: Cure them at 80–85°F (27–29°C) with 85–90% humidity for about 7-10 days (Good Housekeeping).
- Ventilation: Use a warm, well-ventilated area like a barn, greenhouse, or even a closet with a small heater and humidifier.
- Avoid Sunlight: Direct sun exposure can cause sunburn, leading to faster spoilage.
- Spacing Matters: Spread them out in a single layer to allow airflow.
What Happens If You Skip Curing?
- The potatoes won’t store as long.
- They’ll be more prone to bruising and rot.
- The taste won’t be as sweet and rich.
Step 2: Best Storage Techniques for Sweet Potatoes
Once cured, proper storage is key to preventing spoilage. Here’s what works:
1. Ideal Storage Conditions
- Temperature: Store at 55–60°F (13–15°C). Too cold? They develop a hard core. Too warm? They sprout and spoil.
- Humidity: Maintain 75–80% humidity to prevent drying out but avoid excess moisture that can cause rot (FAO).
- Dark, Well-Ventilated Area: Basements, cellars, or pantries work well. Avoid airtight containers!
2. Storage Methods
| Storage Method | Pros | Cons |
| Wooden Crates with Sand | Prevents moisture loss, great for long-term storage | Requires space |
| Wire Baskets or Mesh Bags | Allows air circulation | Not ideal for humid areas |
| Cardboard Boxes with Straw | Easy and low-cost | Can attract pests |
| Refrigeration (NOT Recommended) | None | Too cold, damages texture and taste |
3. Preventing Spoilage
- Check weekly for soft spots, mold, or sprouting. Remove affected potatoes immediately.
- Never wash before storing – moisture speeds up decay.
- Rotate your stock – use older ones first.
Step 3: Alternative Storage Techniques for Long-Term Use
If you want to keep sweet potatoes for months (or even years), consider alternative preservation methods:
1. Freezing
- Blanch slices for 2–3 minutes before freezing.
- Store in airtight bags to prevent freezer burn.
2. Drying/Dehydrating
- Slice into thin pieces and dehydrate at 125°F (52°C) until crisp.
- Great for making chips or powder for soups and baking.
3. Canning
- Use a pressure canner – sweet potatoes are low in acid and require high heat to prevent bacteria.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the curing process – this is the #1 reason for early spoilage.
- Storing at fridge temperatures – this leads to “chilling injury,” making them hard and tasteless.
- Leaving damaged tubers in storage – rot spreads quickly!
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Store Sweet Potatoes
If you follow these best practices, your sweet potatoes can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months in storage. Proper curing, ideal temperature, and good ventilation are the game changers. Want even longer storage? Try freezing, drying, or canning.
Quick Recap:
- Cure for 7–10 days at 80–85°F (27–29°C) with 85–90% humidity
- Store at 55–60°F (13–15°C) with 75–80% humidity
- Keep in a dark, well-ventilated place like a basement or pantry
- Avoid washing before storage to prevent early spoilage
- Check regularly for mold or sprouting
Want to reduce food waste and enjoy sweet potatoes all year round? Start with proper post-harvest handling today!
I’m Oladepo Babatunde — farmer, research writer, and the person behind AgricBusiness.com.ng.
I started farming back in 2007, not in some classroom or lab, but on a small piece of land while still in secondary school. Since then, I’ve raised poultry, planted cassava, made mistakes, figured stuff out, and kept going.
This blog isn’t theory. I write based on what I’ve done, what I’ve seen go wrong, and what’s actually working — especially for small-scale farmers in Nigeria. I also dig into data, trends, and research to give you practical advice that fits our local conditions.
If you’ve ever Googled something like “how many bags of feed for 100 broilers” — yeah, I’ve been there too. That’s why this site exists.
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