While potatoes can stay fresh for weeks when stored properly, they don’t last forever. Once sprouts begin to appear, it’s worth taking a closer look before adding them to your meal.
Here’s what causes potatoes to sprout, when they’re still safe to eat, and how to store them to keep them fresh longer.
Why Do Potatoes Sprout?
Potatoes are living plant structures. Given the right conditions, they’ll naturally begin growing new shoots.
Sprouting is more likely when potatoes are exposed to:
Light
Warm temperatures
Humidity
Ethylene gas from nearby produce, especially onions
If your potatoes are sitting near a sunny window, on a kitchen counter, or stored alongside onions, they’re more likely to develop sprouts.
Although refrigeration may seem like a solution, storing potatoes in the refrigerator is generally not recommended. Cold temperatures can convert some of the potato’s starch into sugar, which may alter its flavor and texture during cooking.
Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe to Eat?
The answer depends on how far the sprouting process has progressed.
If the Sprouts Are Small
A firm potato with only a few small sprouts can often still be used.
Before cooking:
Remove all sprouts
Cut out the eyes
Trim away any green areas
Peel the potato thoroughly
If the remaining potato is firm and healthy-looking, it’s usually safe to cook and eat.
If the Potato Is Wrinkled or Heavily Sprouted
It’s best to discard a potato if it has:
Large or numerous sprouts
Wrinkled or shriveled skin
Soft or mushy spots
Significant greening
At this stage, the potato has begun to deteriorate and may contain higher levels of naturally occurring toxins.
When in doubt, throw it out.
The Hidden Toxins in Sprouted Potatoes
Potatoes naturally contain compounds called:
Solanine
Chaconine
These substances act as the plant’s natural defense system against insects and disease.
Fresh potatoes contain only small amounts of these compounds. However, as potatoes age, sprout, or are exposed to light, toxin levels can increase.
The highest concentrations are usually found in:
Sprouts
Eyes
Green portions of the skin
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