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Preserving Sweet Potatoes

sweet potatoesSweet potatoes are a favorite fall vegetable packed with lots of nutrition. While they can be stored a room temperature, they can also be preserved for easy meal preparation later.

Sweet potatoes should be cured for at least a week to within two months after harvest. Can sweet potatoes in chunks. Do not pureƩ or mash the potatoes. They must be pre-cooked until partially soft prior to canning. Pressure canning is the only processing method for a safe product.

Freezing is another option. Cook until almost tender, then cool. Peel and cut into halves, slices or mash. To prevent color changes, dip them in a lemon juice solution. Fill freezer containers leaving 1/2-inch headspace fore expansion.

See Preserving Vegetables for complete instructions for canning and freezing.

Are you growing your own sweet potatoes? Learn about harvesting and curing from K-State Research and Extension Horticulture.

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.