Before I started gardening and growing sweet potatoes, I didn’t even know that they had to cure for a period of time.
I thought they came out of the ground with the same sweetness I was used to at the grocery store.
As it turns out, it’s the curing process that makes sweet potatoes sweet!
What Sweet Potatoes Need to Cure Properly
Warm Temperatures
Curing sweet potatoes requires a warm environment. Ideally, the temperature should be around 80°F-85°F for the curing process to be effective.
If achieving this temperature is difficult, you can still cure your sweet potatoes at a slightly lower temperature of 70°F-75°F, though it may take more time to complete.
Adequate Humidity
Humidity plays a significant role in curing sweet potatoes. Aim for a humidity level of 90-95% during the curing process.
To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier or simply placing a bucket of water in the curing location.
Proper Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial during the curing process. The hot, moist air is a recipe for mold if there’s isn’t proper air circulation.
Make sure that your curing location has sufficient airflow, and avoid stacking the potatoes too close together. If you need to cure indoors, consider running a fan on your sweet potatoes for a few hours each day.
Time
Curing sweet potatoes takes time and patience. If you’re curing them in a warm environment with ideal humidity, the process should take approximately 7-10 days.
However, if you’re curing them at lower temperatures (70°F-75°F), it may take 2-3 weeks.
Be patient and give the sweet potatoes adequate time to cure before moving them to storage.
How I Cure My Sweet Potatoes
Location Options for Curing Your Sweet Potatoes
Keeping in mind the parameters discussed above, you can use any of the following locations to cure your sweet potatoes successfully:
1. Outside on a Covered Porch
If you have a covered porch with a suitable temperature, it can serve as an excellent location for curing sweet potatoes.
If your nighttime temperatures are estimated to dip below the 60s, bring them inside at night, then set them back outside the next morning.
2. In a Garage
A garage is another great option for curing sweet potatoes, especially if it maintains the desired temperature and humidity levels.
Make sure the garage is well-ventilated and free of pests that might be attracted to your sweet potatoes. (My country garage is notorious for mice.)
If you need to bump up the humidity, you can set a bucket of water near your sweet potatoes, then drape a blanket over both the tubers and the bucket.
3. Indoors Using Trash Bags
If neither a porch nor a garage is available, you can still cure your sweet potatoes indoors using trash bags. Place your sweet potatoes in a large trash bag, and poke some holes in it for ventilation.
Place the bag in a warm, sunny windowsill. If the tubers seem terribly dry, you can place a damp sponge inside the trash bag. Check it periodically to ensure your sweet potatoes aren’t getting moldy.
4. In a Greenhouse
A greenhouse is an ideal location for curing sweet potatoes due to its controlled environment, as it can usually maintain the ideal temperature and humidity levels.
Ensure proper ventilation in the greenhouse and monitor the conditions regularly.
Choose the location that best suits your needs and provides the optimal conditions for the curing process.
Dream of Filling Your Pantry with Homegrown Staples?
Plan your garden with our FREE PRINTABLE—Staples Garden: What to Plant to Feed Your Family for a Year!
Storing Sweet Potatoes
Proper storage helps prevent rot, chilling injury, and ensures that your sweet potatoes last for several months.
When storing sweet potatoes, choose a cool, dark area with a temperature between 55 to 60°F (12 to 15°C).
HOWEVER, don’t let lack of ideal storage conditions frustrate you. I don’t have a basement or cold-room storage, and my house stays around 72°F.
I just store my tubers in the coolest closet in my house, and I’ve never had issues.
For maximum shelf-life, I wrap each sweet potato individually with newspaper, then store in a cardboard box.
Avoid storing them in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and increase the risk of rot.
Remember to check on your sweet potatoes regularly and remove any that show signs of rotting or mildew to prevent the fungus from spreading to the other tubers.
It’s important to note that sweet potatoes are susceptible to chilling injury if stored at temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can cause them to develop a hard core and an undesirable taste.
This means that storing sweet potatoes in the fridge is not recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the location affect the curing process?
Yes, the location can affect the curing process. Ideally, you should choose a location with a temperature of around 85°F and 90-95% humidity levels.
How long should sweet potatoes be cured for optimal results?
Sweet potatoes should generally be cured for 7 to 10 days in order to achieve optimal results. If you are curing in less-than-ideal conditions, that’s okay—just let them cure longer (about 2 weeks or so).
Is it necessary to wash sweet potatoes before curing?
No, it is not necessary to wash sweet potatoes before curing. In fact, washing them can be detrimental to the curing process. After harvesting your sweet potatoes, just brush off large clumps of dirt, mud, or clay using your hands or a towel. Avoid the urge to wash them, as the tubers themselves should not be wet.
Are uncured sweet potatoes safe to eat?
Uncured sweet potatoes are safe to eat, but they won’t taste as sweet and may not store as well as cured sweet potatoes. Curing helps to enhance the sweetness of sweet potatoes and also allows them to develop a better texture when cooked. It is recommended to cure your sweet potatoes for the best taste and storage life.
What happens if I don’t cure my sweet potatoes?
If you don’t cure your sweet potatoes, they can still be eaten. They just won’t be as tasty (or store as long).
