Kumara is an easy vegetable to store, and it is longer lasting that other root vegetables like onions.
When you buy kumara, look for those that have less scrapes and marking on them as these tend to last for longer. Kumara that are deeper in colour typically are more nutrient rich than the lighter skins. The difference in colour in the kumara skin is usually caused by the soil type or pH in the soils which affects the plant as it grows.
Look after your kumara as any bumps or rough handling causes bruising and means the kumara rots or decays faster.
To store kumara properly and keep their quality, store them in a well-ventilated, dark spot. If you have storage paper or newspaper, wrap them before storing as this extends their lifespan in storage. If it is too humid, the exposure to moisture makes them rot. Likewise, when they are stored in the light, they tend to sprout.
Whatever you do not…do not store kumara in the refrigerator. This changes the taste and flavour of the kumara. The structure of the cell walls of kumara also changes when it’s refrigerated, making them harder to break down. As a result, they remain hard in the middle and can take longer to cook. Often, you’ll find they may also turn brown soon after they’re removed from the fridge due to chill damage.
Kumara can last for about 1 -2 months in a cool dark place.
If the kumara is soft or mushy, throw it away. If it is only one end of the kumara that is mushy, check the rest of the kumara for mould or dark/soft spots. If it is ok, chop and throw out the mushy end and use what is left.
Storing cooked kumara:
To store cooked kumara, place them in a airtight container or zip-lock bag. Store in the fridge for about 5 days.
