How do you know when a Sweet Potato is bad? Sweet potatoes are delicious and nutritious root vegetables that are a staple in many households. However, like all produce, sweet potatoes can go bad if not stored or handled properly. Knowing how to identify a bad sweet potato can save you from wasting money and potentially getting sick.
How do you know when a Sweet Potato is bad?
Here are some key indicators that sweet potato has gone bad and should be thrown out:
Discolouration: A healthy sweet potato should have consistent, smooth, and unblemished skin. If you notice any discolouration, such as dark spots or mould, it is a clear sign that the sweet potato has gone bad.
Softness: A fresh sweet potato should be firm to the touch. If it feels soft or mushy, it is likely that it has started to spoil. Softness can also indicate that the sweet potato has started to rot, which can lead to dangerous bacteria growth.
Wrinkles: As sweet potatoes age, their skin can become wrinkled and dry. While this is not always an indication of spoilage, it can indicate that the sweet potato is no longer at its peak freshness.
Smell: A healthy sweet potato should have a mild, earthy smell. If it has a sour or off odour, it is likely that it has gone bad. This is especially important if you notice a strong mouldy or musty smell, which can be a sign of dangerous mould growth.
Shrivelling: When sweet potatoes are stored for an extended period of time, they can start to shrivel up. While this does not necessarily indicate spoilage, it does indicate that the sweet potato is no longer fresh and may not be as flavorful as it once was.
If you notice any of these indicators, it is best to throw the sweet potato out and purchase a fresh one. It is also important to properly store sweet potatoes to help prolong their freshness. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other fruits and vegetables. This can help slow down the process of spoilage and ensure that you always have fresh sweet potatoes on hand.
Overall, sweet potatoes are versatile and delicious vegetables that can be enjoyed in many ways. By knowing how to identify a bad sweet potato, you can ensure that you are always consuming fresh and safe produce. So, always check for the above-mentioned signs before consuming sweet potatoes.
