During and after harverst, handle sweet potatoes gently; the tender skins bruise easily. Any damage to the roots can cause considerable decay in storage. After harvesting, dry the sweet potatoes for two to three hours. Then spread them out in baskets lined with newspaper. Place them in a dry area where the temperature will remain 80 degrees to 85 degrees F for 10 days to two weeks. After this curing period, place them where the temperatures will range from 55 degrees to 60 degrees F with a relative humidity of about 85 percent. Sweet potatoes treated this way will store for several months. Remove any roots that show signs of deterioration or decay.

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