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Gunther Heller

Does Cassava (Yuca) Go Bad?

Source: USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS · last verified November 2026

Illustration of cassava (yuca)
Cassava (yuca) Per USDA FoodKeeper
Counter
7 days
cool, dry place
Fridge
3 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
Freezer
1–2 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer

Yes. Cassava (yuca) lasts 3 days in the fridge and 1–2 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.

How to tell if cassava (yuca) is bad

Smell

Fermented, sour or musty odour.

Texture

Soft, mushy or leaking spots, or wrinkled skin with soft flesh.

Colour

Dark bruising that spreads, or browning inside.

Mould

White, grey or green fuzz — discard soft produce; cut firm produce generously.

Cassava (yuca) past the expiration date

Best-by and sell-by

FoodKeeper gives unopened cassava (yuca) 7 days in the pantry or 3 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.

Past the date

Cassava (yuca) past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.

How to keep cassava (yuca) fresh longer

  • Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
  • Keep ethylene producers (apples, bananas, avocados) away from produce that over-ripens.
  • Refrigerate once cut, in a covered container.

More about cassava (yuca)

More “does it go bad?” answers, A–Z →

FAQ

How long does it take for cassava (yuca) to go bad?
3 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can cassava (yuca) expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened cassava (yuca) 7 days in the pantry or 3 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad cassava (yuca)?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep cassava (yuca) from going bad?
Store unwashed; wash just before eating.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number