Sweet potatoes stored in direct sunlight
I know leaving potatoes out in direct sunlight is a bad thing as they can develop solanine which is toxic. I know sweet potatoes don't develop solanine, but are there any other reasons other than spoiling to avoid storing sweet potatoes in sunlight?
Best Answer
Sweet potatoes are not in the potato family (Solanaceae) and as you say, do not develop solanine, or other glycoalkaloids such as chaconine. The only toxin they are listed as having in Medical toxicology of natural substances is ipomearone, typically produced in response to fungal infection. I cannot find any indication that is produced in response to sunlight. The toxicology book above says 'consumption of sweet potatoes has not been linked to human toxicity'.
While it's hard to be completely certain, it seems to me that there are no reasons other than the likely higher temperature to avoid storing sweet potatoes in sunlight.
Pictures about "Sweet potatoes stored in direct sunlight"
Can you store sweet potatoes outside?
Most root vegetables like raw sweet potatoes, carrots, and hearty winter squashes have a pretty long shelf life. As a rule of thumb, most raw root vegetables can be stored at room temperature for at least a week or two before they show any signs of bruising and spoiling.How should sweet potatoes be stored?
Avoid storing sweetpotatoes in the refrigerator, which will produce a hard center and unpleasant taste. Instead, store your sweetpotatoes in a cool, dry, well ventilated container. For best results, store them in a basement or root cellar away from strong heat sources.Can sweet potatoes be exposed to light?
Sweet potatoes also are safer to eat than potatoes. Though some people are unable to eat potatoes because of an allergy-like sensitivity to the alkaloids they contain, sweet potatoes are free of these substances. Potatoes also will produce a poisonous compound called solanine if exposed to light while growing.Should sweet potatoes be stored in a dark place?
Sweet potatoes last the longest when stored in a dark place for up to 6 months. Do not keep your sweet potatoes near other vegetables as they can cause other foods to ripen more quickly.This REVOLUTIONARY Way Of Curing SWEET POTATOES Changes Everything!
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Quang Nguyen Vinh, Maria Orlova, Jill Burrow, Ryutaro Tsukata