Abstract:In order to solve the problems of unstable quality of processed sweet potato products due to unclear postharvest saccharification conditions in China, in this study, "Yanshu No. 25" was used as the experimental material, the differences in starch content, sugar components, sensory and texture characteristics of fresh and roasted sweet potatoes under different storage temperature and time. The optimal saccharification temperature and time for post-harvest fresh sweet potatoes and roasted sweet potato were compared, and a comprehensive evaluation was conducted by correlation analysis to screen out the optimal saccharification temperature and time of sweet potatos. The results showed that compared with freshly harvested sweet potatoes, the starch contents of the fresh sweet potatoes stored under different storage conditions decreased whilst their sugar contents increased, among them, the reducing sugar content increased significantly (by 37.39%) with the fructose content being the highest after storage at 12 ℃ for 21 d. The contents of glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose of the roasted sweet potatoes after being stored at 12 ℃ for 12 d increased by 11.90%, 17.76%, 64.72% and 3.67%, respectively, compared with the sweet potatoes roasted straightly after harvest (the control group). The sweetness coefficient (0.75) and Brix value (31.80 °Bx) of the roasted sweet potatoes after being stored at 12 ℃ for 12 d were also significantly higher than those of the control (0.72, 25.20 °Bx) and other experimental groups (0.65~0.76, 18.80~29.50 °Bx). The results of sensory evaluation and texture characteristics showed that the roasted sweet potatoes under such treatment conditions exhibited a flavor essentially the same as that of the control, and had the highest sweetness response value (7.50), relatively high umami response value (6.70) and lower hardness (840.80 g). In conclusion, a storage at 12 ℃ for 12 d was identified as the optimal conditions for saccharification of post-harvest sweet potatoes. The results could provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for improving the quality of processed products from fresh sweet potatoes.