|
Harvest sweet potatoes 90 to 100 days after transplanting, or as soon as possible after a frost has blackened the tops of the plants. Here are a few pointers:
- Check the roots for maturity. A mature sweet potato will have 4 to 5 roots that should be 1 3/4 inches in diameter and 3 to 9 inches in length.
- Dig sweet potatoes carefully because their skins are thin and they bruise easily. It is best to wear gloves when handling them. (Do not leave the roots exposed to direct sunlight more than 30 minutes because they will sunscald.)
- Spread them out to dry for several hours, away from direct sunlight. When they are dry, put them in newspaper lined boxes and place them in a dry, warm, ventilated area for 2 weeks to cure. Once they are cured, store in a cool, dry place (55 degrees F).
Sweet potatoes can be stored for up to 10 months. Do not store them in a refrigerator because they may develop a hard core and lose their flavor.
|
