Optimum Temperature
The recommended conditions for commercial storage are to keep roots cool and dry. Sweet potato roots are chilling sensitive and should be stored between 12.5°C and 15°C (55°F to 59°F) with high relative humidity (>90%). A storage life of 6-10 months can be expected under these conditions, although sprouting may begin to occur after about 6 months depending on cultivar. Temperatures above 15°C (59°F) lead to more rapid sprouting and weight loss. Careful handling during harvesting will minimize mechanical damage to the skin and reduce decay incidence during storage. Roots are not washed before storing in bins or crates, but only after removal for selection and packing for marketing. Sweet potato roots are commonly stored in evaporatively cooled rooms, supplemented by mechanical refrigeration late in the storage period when warm ambient temperatures occur.