As a nutritious and delicious vegetable, sweet potatoes are a staple in many households. However, they can easily spoil, leading to health problems or food waste. That’s why it’s essential to know how to tell if a sweet potato is bad. Here are some tips to help you determine if your sweet potatoes are still fresh and safe to eat.
Check the expiration date
The easiest way to tell if your sweet potatoes are still fresh is to check the expiration date. You can find the expiration date on the packaging, or if you bought them in bulk, you can ask the seller for the date. If the sweet potatoes are past their expiration date, they might still be okay to eat, but it’s best to check them for other signs of spoilage.
If there is no expiration date: Some sweet potatoes might not come with an expiration date. In that case, it’s important to check for other signs of spoilage to ensure they are still safe to eat.
Inspect the appearance
The appearance of a sweet potato can tell you a lot about its freshness. A fresh sweet potato will have smooth, unblemished skin, and a firm texture. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s best to avoid consuming the sweet potato:
- Mold or fungus: If you see any mold or fungus on the skin or flesh of the sweet potato, it’s best to discard it.
- Soft spots or bruises: If the sweet potato has any soft spots or bruises, it’s a sign that it’s starting to spoil.
- Wrinkled skin: A sweet potato with wrinkled skin is a sign that it’s been sitting on the shelf for too long.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check the sweet potatoes all around for these signs of spoilage as it may not always be apparent on the surface.
Smell test
Another way to tell if a sweet potato is bad is to smell it. A fresh sweet potato will have a slightly sweet, earthy scent. If the sweet potato has a sour, musty, or rotten smell, it’s a sign that it’s gone bad. Here’s how to properly smell a sweet potato:
- Hold the sweet potato close to your nose.
- Take a deep breath in through your nose.
- Notice the scent and any signs of spoilage.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure if the sweet potato has a bad smell, compare it to another sweet potato or fresh produce to help detect any off-odors.
Touch test
You can also use the touch test to check for the freshness of a sweet potato. A fresh sweet potato will have a firm texture and feel heavy for its size. If it feels soft, mushy, or light, it’s a sign that it’s starting to spoil. Here’s how to use the touch test to check the freshness of a sweet potato:
- Hold the sweet potato in your hand.
- Gently press it with your fingers.
- Notice the texture and weight of the sweet potato.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check different parts of the sweet potato for any soft spots or texture changes, as the spoilage may not always be apparent on the surface.
Cut test
If you’re still unsure if a sweet potato is bad, you can perform a cut test. A fresh sweet potato will have a bright orange or yellow flesh, and the skin and flesh will be free of any discoloration. Here’s how to use the cut test to check for spoilage:
- Cut the sweet potato in half.
- Examine the flesh and skin for any discoloration or signs of spoilage.
- If there are any signs of spoilage, discard the sweet potato.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure of the freshness of your sweet potatoes, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and throw them out to avoid any health risks.
FAQs
1. Can you get sick from eating a bad sweet potato?
Yes, eating a bad sweet potato can cause food poisoning and make you sick. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard the sweet potato to avoid any health risks.
2. What are the signs of a bad sweet potato?
The signs of a bad sweet potato include mold, soft spots, wrinkles, cracks, sprouts, slimy texture, and foul odor. Check the appearance, smell, touch, and cut the sweet potato to ensure its freshness.
3. How long do sweet potatoes last?
Sweet potatoes can last up to 2-4 weeks at room temperature and 2-3 months in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, or heat. Be sure to check the expiration date and inspect the appearance, smell, touch, and cut the sweet potato to ensure its freshness.
4. How do you store sweet potatoes?
To extend the shelf life of sweet potatoes, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, or heat. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as this may affect their texture and flavor.
5. Can you eat sweet potatoes with sprouts?
No, it’s not recommended to eat sweet potatoes with sprouts as they contain solanine, a toxic compound that can cause stomach upset, headache, and vomiting. If you notice any signs of sprouts, it’s best to discard the sweet potato to avoid any health risks.
Pro Tip: To avoid food waste, be sure to buy only the amount of sweet potatoes you need and use them before they spoil.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to tell if a sweet potato is bad, you can avoid consuming spoiled sweet potatoes and reduce food waste. Remember to always check the expiration date and inspect the appearance, smell, touch, and cut the sweet potato to ensure its freshness. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard the sweet potato to avoid any health risks. With these tips, you can enjoy fresh, delicious sweet potatoes without worrying about their safety.
Pro Tip: To extend the shelf life of sweet potatoes, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, or heat. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as this may affect their texture and flavor.
