Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Mashed Sweet Potatoes expire?
Mashed sweet potatoes have a slightly different expiration timeframes depending on the scenario. If left unopened and refrigerated, they can last for about 3 to 5 days. Leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours and you're inviting bacteria to multiply, which can cause food poisoning. If they're homemade and refrigerated right away, they can last for the same duration - 3 to 5 days. If you chose to freeze your mashed sweet potatoes, which is completely possible, they can extend their shelf-life to about 10 to 12 months.
How do you tell if Mashed Sweet Potatoes is bad?
Knowing if your mashed sweet potatoes have gone bad isn't too difficult. First, if they're beyond the mentioned timeframes, it's time to discard them. Next, smell them. If the aroma feels off or unpleasant - that's your cue. If it smells okay, the next step is to look at it. Any visible mold or unusual color change indicates that your mashed sweet potatoes are spoiling. If it passes the eye and nose test, you can test a small bite. If it tastes sour or off, discard it immediately.
Tips for storing Mashed Sweet Potatoes to extend shelf life
• Always try to refrigerate your mashed sweet potatoes within 2 hours of cooking. Bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature.
• Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage. They not only keep the food fresh but also prevent it from absorbing odors of other foods in the fridge.
• Try to store them in small portions. This simplifies thawing and also prevents you from continuously freezing and defrosting the entire batch, which degrades the quality.
• Before freezing, let the mashed sweet potatoes cool completely. This helps maintain their texture and also conserves freezer space.
• Always label your frozen foods with the date of freezing. It’s easy to lose track of time.