I've read that it's a bad idea to cure sweet potatoes too long. Problem is different curing times are shown in different articles. They also vary the time by the temperature the sweet potatoes are cured at.
So, how do I know when they are cured "enough" but not too much? After they are cured I'll move them to the storm shelter for the winter, but I don't want to move them too late or too early.
I also read that if they're not eaten for 4-6 weeks after curing, the taste is better. Is this true?
Karen
Sweet Potato Curing Question
I cure mine for about 4 weeks. Nothing special just spread them out in the barn so they have good air circulation a round them. After they lose some of their water content and the starches are converted to sugars they do taste much better than fresh dug. Never notice any significant improvement after that curing period. Seems to work ok. Mine keep well into June. Just don't let them get chilled. I bring them into winter storage when the temps drop below 50 degrees for more than a few hours.
Farmerdill,
Would putting them out on my front deck with daytime temps in the mid-80s to low-90s and nighttime temps in the low-60s be okay. Or should I put them in the house where it stays warmer at night?
I did read somewhere to put them in a basket in the house, preferably the kitchen, and cover the basket with a blanket or put them in heavy plastic bags with air holes to keep the humidity up. Have you heard of this?
Karen
Low 60's will ok. Protect them from the weather and don't put them in a big pile or a plastic bucket while curing. They do give off water during this period. The old folks called it sweating. Of course I say that noting that in todays world I am one of the old folks. You can keep them in the house just don't use plastic. I either keep them in the bushel baskets or store one ones designated for eating in kraft paper bags in the pantry. Down here, some folks store them outside in mounds laid on pinestraw, covered in pinestraw, with dirt over them ( takes about 14 inches of cover tho). Practice is about dead tho, no big familys to feed through the winter, or market gardeners selling through the winter.
Farmderdill,
Thanks for the reply. I'll put them on the front deck to cure as it's covered. I've got bushel baskets and Kraft paper bags as well that I can use for storing.
Karen