Green potatoes are a strange sight—but can you eat them? We wanted to find out the answer for sure, so we decided to investigate! From the effects of toxicity to the ways you can identify edible green potatoes in the grocery store, read on to learn more about the implications of green potatoes.
1. What Are Green Potatoes?
Green potatoes should be a cause for concern if you come across them when grocery shopping or cooking for dinner. This is because green potatoes contain high levels of solanine, which is a naturally occurring toxin. Solanine has a range of potential side effects including upset stomach, headaches, and even paralysis of the central nervous system.
Effects of Solanine
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions
- Lethargic feelings
- Seizures
- Paralysis of the central nervous system
In general, it is best to avoid eating green potatoes, although the amount of solanine in them is usually not high enough to cause any serious illness. If you are worried about getting sick from eating green potatoes, it is advised to cook them thoroughly to reduce the amount of solanine.
If you do eat green potatoes, pay attention to how your body feels afterwards and speak to a doctor if you experience any adverse reactions. Additionally, keep an eye out for any signs in your potatoes, such as dark spots or a green tinge, and return them to the store if you find any.
2. Should You Eat Green Potatoes?
When you’re shopping for potatoes, you’ve probably noticed some with a green hue. You may have even wondered – can you eat green potatoes? Should you buy them, or are they unsafe to eat? Let’s investigate.
What Causes The Green Color?
The green color in potatoes is due to the presence of solanine. This is a natural compound found in potatoes that may increase if the potatoes are exposed to too much sunlight. This doesn’t mean they’re harmful, however.
Are Green Potatoes Safe to Eat?
In most cases, yes. The risk of solanine poisoning from green potatoes is low. However, eating large amounts of potatoes with a green color can cause upset stomach, so you should limit your consumption.
If you’re still concerned, there are steps you can take to determine the safety of green potatoes:
- Inspect the potato for signs of damage or spoilage.
- Peel the potato before cooking to reduce your risk.
- Discard any potatoes that have a strong, bitter taste.
So, can you eat green potatoes? As long as you’re careful with your selection, then yes. Preparation and moderation are key when consuming green potatoes, so make sure you’re aware of any risks.
3. How to Tell If a Potato Is Safe to Eat
Now that you know it isn’t safe to eat green potatoes, you should know how to decide whether a potato is safe or not. Here are three tips to keep in mind when identifying a safe potato for consumption:
- Check for Mold – Potatoes should be firm and not show signs of mold, which is usually green. Cut the potato in half to check inside of it for mold and discard the potato if it appears.
- Check the Skin – Potatoes should have smooth, wrinkle-free skin. If you see discoloration or wrinkles, the potato may have gone bad and you should avoid eating it.
- Smell the Potato - Place the potato close to your nose and take a whiff. It should smell like earth or potatoes. If it has a strong smell, it is probably bad and should not be eaten.
These are just a few signs to look for when it comes to identifying potatoes that are safe for consumption. If you’re ever unsure, it is best to just discard the potato.
4. What Happens If You Eat Green Potatoes?
Amidst the raging quandary can green potatoes be eaten, lies a more crucial question – what would happen if one was to go ahead and eat green potatoes? In a nutshell, it isn’t a good idea. Here are a few reasons why:
- Green potatoes may contain toxins like solanine, which in high amounts can make one seriously ill.
- Green potatoes consumed in high amounts will cause gastrointestinal distress.
While not particularly life-threatening, stomach aches and symptoms of food poisoning are never a pleasant experience. Seek medical attention should the symptoms persist. Additionally, it’s important to note the accompanying symptoms of solanine poisoning:
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Confusion
If you subject yourself to using green potatoes as an ingredient in dishes, cook them thoroughly and no more than six ounces should be consumed, as per FDA regulations. Otherwise, it’s generally best to avoid consuming green potatoes altogether.
5. How to Safely Cook Green Potatoes
It is important to be mindful of the condition of your potatoes while cooking and eating them, and cooking green potatoes is no different! Here are a few tips to consider when cooking green potatoes:
- Choose the right potatoes: Select small, young potatoes with good-looking skins and even color. Avoid any potatoes with parts of the skin that look discolored and soft.
- Cut away green parts: Cut away any parts of the potato that look excessively green and discolored as these contain a higher amount of the toxin.
- Cook thoroughly: Cook the potatoes thoroughly and peel them before consumption. This helps to get rid of any toxin that may be present.
- Avoid raw consumption: Consuming raw green potatoes not only tastes bad but could potentially be dangerous. Avoid eating them raw and opt for cooked potatoes instead.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively cook green potatoes and enjoy them as a nutritious part of your meal!
There you have it – green potatoes are not as harmful as previously thought, and you can even eat them in moderation, provided that they are cooked properly. As always, it’s best to consult your doctor before consuming any potentially harmful foods to be on the safe side.