Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes?
You grab a potato, ready to cook, but wait…what’s that? Tiny white or green sprouts poking out? Now you’re wondering… Is it still safe to eat? Will it make me sick? Should I just throw it away? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Potatoes start sprouting when they’ve been sitting for a while, and it’s a common kitchen dilemma. The good news? A sprouted potato isn’t always bad, but there are a few things to check before cooking it. While some sprouted potatoes are still safe to eat with a little prep, others can be harmful. So, how do you tell the difference? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to do the next time you find sprouts on your spuds.
Why do potatoes sprout?
Potatoes are packed with nutrients and moisture, making them the perfect environment for sprouting when stored too long. Over time, the starch inside the potato begins to break down, triggering growth. This is the potato’s natural way of trying to grow into a new plant!
However, when potatoes sprout, they also produce solanine and chaconine, two natural toxins that can be harmful in large amounts. These compounds are found mostly in the sprouts, skin, and any green parts of the potato. Eating too much of them can cause stomach pain, nausea, or other unpleasant symptoms. But don’t worry, this doesn’t always mean you have to throw the potato away! It all comes down to how much it has sprouted and whether it still looks fresh.
Are sprouted potatoes safe to eat?
Yes, if:
- The sprouts are small (less than half an inch).
- The potato is firm and has no green spots.
- You cut off the sprouts and any green areas before cooking.
No, if:
- The potato is soft, wrinkled, or shriveled.
- It has a bitter taste as it’s a sign of too much solanine.
- The sprouts are long and numerous, this means the toxins have spread.
How to prevent sprouting:
- Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place but not the fridge!.
- Keep them away from onions they release gases that speed up sprouting.
- Use older potatoes first to prevent waste.
If the sprouts are tiny and the potato is still firm, just cut the sprouts off and cook away freely! But, if the potatoes are wrinkly or turning green, better to toss them out in the trash than risk a tummy ache.
