Cold soil negatively affects the quality of taste and shelf life of sweet potatoes. To prevent this, harvest prior to the first fall freeze. Sweet potatoes are typically ready for harvest three to four months after planting.
Gently unearth the sweet potatoes in one mound to check for readiness. You may notice die-back of the above ground growth as harvest time approaches. After digging, sweet potatoes need to be cured for several days.
This process increases the shelf-life and flavor of the sweet potatoes. Curing should be done in a warm, humid location. Ideally the temperature should be between 85- and 90-
degrees F with a relative humidity between 85 and 95%.
Store sweet potatoes for several weeks before consuming. During this time starches are
converting to sugars which improves the flavor. Protect sweet potatoes during storage
by keeping temperatures above 55 degrees F.
