The key to preserving sweet potatoes is to control temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions, mainly including storing them in a dark and dry place, low-temperature refrigeration, burying them in sandy soil, storing them in cardboard boxes, hanging them, and other methods.
1. Store in a dark and dry place
Select intact and undamaged sweet potatoes, wipe off the surface moisture, and place them in a bamboo basket or mesh bag in a cool and ventilated place. The temperature should be maintained between 13-16 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity should be controlled at 60% -70% to avoid direct sunlight that may cause germination or mold growth. Regularly inspect and remove sweet potatoes with soft skin to prevent decay and spread.
2. Low temperature refrigeration
Wrap a single sweet potato in kitchen paper to absorb moisture, put it in a fresh-keeping bag with holes, and then place it in the refrigerator's vegetable and fruit layer. The refrigeration temperature should not be lower than 10 degrees Celsius, otherwise cold damage may occur and brown spots may appear. This method is suitable for storing in small amounts and should be consumed as soon as possible within 2-3 weeks. Freezing can cause starch conversion and affect the taste.
III. Burial of Sand
Lay 5cm of dry fine sand at the bottom of the wooden box, cover with 3cm of sand after placing sweet potatoes in a single layer, and repeat stacking no more than three layers. Sand can regulate humidity and isolate bacteria, and the storage environment should be maintained at 10-15 degrees Celsius. Check once a month, this method can preserve sweet potatoes for 3-5 months.
4. Storage in cardboard boxes
Place sweet potatoes and dry newspapers alternately in layers into breathable corrugated cardboard boxes, with each layer containing newspapers to absorb excess moisture. The box should be placed on a shelf to avoid contact with moisture, and quicklime bags should be placed around it to prevent moisture. This method is suitable for urban families and has a shelf life of about 1-2 months.
5. Hanging and Preservation
Use a mesh bag to pack sweet potatoes and hang them under well ventilated eaves or in a basement, using air flow to remove surface moisture. Be careful not to mix with easily sprouted vegetables such as potatoes. When the humidity is high, it can be used in conjunction with a small dehumidifier. Traditional methods can be stored for 4-6 weeks, but it is necessary to prevent rodents and insects from gnawing on it. Fresh sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber and beta carotene, and it is recommended to store them in batches according to the amount consumed. Avoid using plastic bags to seal and prevent spoilage. Although sprouted sweet potatoes are edible, their nutrition decreases. In winter, dried sweet potatoes can be made to extend their shelf life. After steaming and slicing, the sweet potatoes can be dehydrated in a 50 degree Celsius oven for 6-8 hours. After cooling, they can be sealed and refrigerated for up to six months. If mold is found, it should be discarded immediately and the rotten part should not be removed before consumption.
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