“I’ve cut into sweet potatoes a lot, but this was the first time I saw droplets of white ooze developing in a circle along the inside edge. Does this imply that the potato is bad?”
To get a well-detailed answer to this question, go through this post.
As with any other vegetable, some abnormalities may occur during preparation, such as the white residue leaking from your chopped sweet potato.
But does this imply that the potato is bad?
What Causes the White Ooze on the Sweet Potato?
The entire mass of white residue you can see is typical. The sweet potato is in fantastic shape, according to the white stuff!
A byproduct of the sweet potato plant is the residue. It has a milky white hue since it is formed of starch and water.
The cells of the sweet potato are injured when it is cut, resulting in sap leakage. If you leave the sweet potato slices on your cutting board for a while, the white sap might not be apparent at first but then start to flow out.
Factors Influencing Release of White 0Oze
1. Sweetness. According to experts, the tastier the potato, the more likely the sap would ooze out. This is because of the high sugar level it may contain.
2. Organic tubers are more likely to have this milky residue as well. They grow in large quantities, hence decreasing the associated milky starch.
3. Freshness. The fresher potatoes are more likely to leak the sap.
Why are there White Spots on the Sweet Potato?
The residue isn’t the only thing that may be white in sweet potatoes. You may have also discovered some white spots freckling through the inside when you cut the tubers in half.
Again, this is purely starch and sugar making their way from the insides of the potato via any tiny hole they could find.
These patches, like the milk-like content, are safe to eat. You can easily wash them off, though be careful as they can become quite sticky on your hands. But once you cook the vegetables, the stickiness disappears.
What is the White Flesh on the Sweet Potato?
While there are numerous sweet potato varieties, the two most common types you’ve presumably seen at the grocery shop are white sweet potatoes and orange sweet potatoes.
The latter has a copper-toned surface and a bright orange inner. On the other hand, white sweet potatoes have a softer, golden surface with white flesh.
In most of North America, the labeling of yams is sometimes incorrect. In other circumstances, the white flesh could indicate that you might have purchased a yam by mistake. What is commonly referred to as yams are a variety of soft sweet potatoes.
Related: Potato Masher Reviews 2022
How to Determine Whether a Sweet Potato Is Bad?
Dark spots on their skin are common, which does not always imply that the potato has gone stale.
Rumpled, shriveled skin is the most obvious sign that the potato has gone bad. Other things to consider include:
1. Mold
The fungus can be challenging to detect. You can tell mold is present if there are discolored patches with a fuzzy appearance. Do not eat the vegetable at this point.
2. Spots of Weaknesses
Sweet potatoes should be firm, so when you can effortlessly press your thumb into one, it’s time to toss it.
These soft spots could also appear saturated, so if you find a soft sweet potato in a pack of ripe tubers, make sure to wipe the fresh potatoes dry before re-storing them.
3. Developing Roots
If you observe tiny sprouts or roots growing in the eyes of your potato, this is an indication that the quality is beginning to deteriorate.
The vegetables are still edible and taste excellent, but the more the roots grow, the less tasty the sweet potato becomes.
4. Spots of Dehydration
Sweet potatoes will dehydrate over time, causing their skin to become dull and wrinkly. If your sweet potatoes appear to be fading, it means they are stale.
5. Pithiness
Potatoes can develop holes if they are stored in an area that is too warm for them. These vegetables are selective, whereby they don’t grow well in extreme heat or cold.
They may be fit for consumption. However, the flavor and texture are typically less tasty than potatoes stored in perfect conditions.
Related article: Potato Ricer Reviews
Tips to Consider Before Storing Sweet Potatoes
Do you want some fresh and delicious sweet potatoes?
These brief storage conditions and practices should help you get started.
- Wash and dry your sweet potatoes with a paper towel.
- Refrigerating sweet potatoes is not recommended. It frequently makes the core of the tuber complex, eventually developing an undesirable taste.
- Store the sweet potatoes in cool, dry, and well-ventilated containers
- Keep your potatoes in a basement or root cellar to avoid too much heat. You can also store the tubers in sand, although it is not advisable due to inadequate ventilation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can you store uncooked sweet potatoes in the refrigerator?
You can safely store raw potatoes for 1 to 2 weeks at normal temperature. To extend the shelf life to about a month, keep them in cool temperatures of about 45-55° F.
2. What exactly are these dark spots on sweet potatoes?
These are “blisters” spots caused by potatoes lying against each other for a longer duration. Remove the blemish and enjoy your vegetable!
3. Is it possible to freeze sweet potatoes?
Yes. For up to a year, you can keep sweet potatoes in the freezer. For example, if you want to freeze boiled sweet potatoes, you must first put them in airtight bags or plastic containers.
However, freezing them for an extended period will cause them to lose their flavor.
Conclusion
Regardless of the season, sweet potatoes are the kitchen staple.
The white residue and spots you may notice while cutting the tuber are indications that your potato is fresh and delicious. It results from starch and water finding their way through whatever small pathways they come across; hence they ooze out when cut. These tubers are, therefore, safe to eat.
This article will guide you on everything you need to know about the white (residue, spots, and flesh), signs of spoilage, and how to store your sweet potatoes properly.