These orange root vegetables are surprisingly perishable.

The only problem is that sometimes I forget theyre there.

Most importantly, its best to store them out of direct sunlight to help them last longer.

A close up of sweet potatoes

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Store sweet potatoes in a breathable container like a basket or mesh bag.

Just be sure to eat them within a week so they do not start to dehydrate.

What About the Refrigerator?

A sweet potato getting sliced on a wooden cutting board

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Colder temperatures and moisture can cause textural and taste issues, says McCort.

The only time you should store sweet potatoes in the refrigerator is if theyre already cooked.

Then you should refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.

Other Sweet Potato Storage Tips

Sweet potatoes are sensitive toethylene, a natural gas that encourages ripening.

Then you avoid adding extra moisture.

This will help with shelf life and avoid creating breeding grounds for potential bacteria during storage, McCort says.

This will help ensure that they last two or more weeks at home.

Slight blemishes or scars will not impact the taste or quality of your sweet potato.

Simply cut away those spots and use the rest.