More and more people are enjoying having their own sweet potato plant in their home garden. It's not just the appearance that impresses thanks to the beautiful flowers and long shoots. The morning glory plant also produces edible tubers that delight with their sweet taste. But before you can enjoy it, there is of course the harvest. If you are unsure about the harvest date, procedure and further storage, this guide will help you make the most profit.
When and how is it best to harvest sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are ideally harvested in October, when the leaves turn yellow. Harvest the tubers carefully with your hands, brushing off the soil but not washing them yet. Then store the sweet potatoes in a dark place for at least two days before processing them or keeping them wrapped in newspaper.
The right time
Basically, you harvest sweet potatoes in October. Depending on weather conditions, this date can change from year to year. The tubers are already ripe in September and may need to be stored for a while before the starch has converted into sugar. A sure sign that the harvest is imminent is the yellowing of the leaves. Although the vegetables grow underground, wilting is a clear indication. Most importantly, get your sweet potatoes out of the ground before the first frost. Subzero temperatures wipe out the yield in just one night. So don't be afraid to pick your plant early when the temperatures drop.
Procedure
- harvest your sweet potatoes as soon as the leaves turn yellow
- Don't use a shovel, use your bare hands to avoid damaging the tubers
- brush off the adhering soil well, but do not wash the vegetables yet
Subsequent storage
After removing your sweet potatoes from the soil, they should be stored in a dark place for at least two days. A cellar is ideal for this. First, the tubers should be left in the fresh air. During this time, a further layer forms over small scratches and pressure points that prevents germs from penetrating. Only then should you wrap your sweet potatoes individually in newspaper if you don't want to process them straight away. The batatas usually need some time to convert the starch they contain into sugar. Only through this process does the pleasantly sweet taste develop. Only store undamaged vegetables that have no bruises. The sweet potatoes should only come into contact with water immediately before cooking.
