Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes? Expert highlights safety concerns to consider

Can you imagine your vegetable basket without potatoes? We bet you can’t. It is one of the most popular vegetables in the world, it is easily accessible, affordable and versatile. In fact, it is one of the few kitchen ingredients that can be used to prepare a quick meal for any type of hunger. On one hand, it can help you prepare a complete meal for lunch or dinner, on the other hand, you can use a potato or two to prepare fries, cheese balls and other such snacks. Then, there are other uses, including as a binding agent for tikkis, cleaning agent for utensils and more. This is why you will find people buying and storing potatoes in bulk for when they need them. If you do the same, you must have seen potatoes sprouting after a while. In other words, you will find small white-coloured shoots growing on the skin of the potato. What do you do then? Most of you will surely say that we peel the sprout and skin and use the potato as is. Right? But have you ever wondered whether it is a safe practice or not? In this article, we will delve deeper into the question of whether sprouted potatoes are safe to eat. Keep reading.

Is it okay to eat sprouted potatoes?

We all know that sprouting helps improve the nutritional profile of any food ingredient. But we often ignore that excess of any food can be bad for our health. This is also true for potatoes.

According to a study published in the journal Advances in Potato Chemistry and Technology, potatoes contain solanine and chaconine, two glycoalkaloid compounds that, when consumed in small amounts, offer health benefits, such as managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. But when consumed in excessive amounts, as in sprouted potatoes, these compounds can be detrimental to your health.

Ayurveda expert Dr Varalakshmi Yanamandra says in an Instagram post, “Eating sprouted potatoes can pose health risks due to the presence of toxic compounds called glycoalkaloids. While glycoalkaloids are present throughout the plant, the levels of these toxins are very high in the green parts, sprouts and eyes of potatoes.”

Read also : How to Keep Potatoes from Sprouting – Pro Tips and Tricks

What are the main side effects of eating sprouted potatoes?

Dr. Varalakshmi also shared some of the major side effects of consuming sprouted potatoes. Find them here.

1. It becomes toxic:

Glycoalkaloids are toxic to humans and can cause gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Symptoms of glycoalkaloid poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, and in severe cases, even coma and death. However, such extreme reactions are rare.

2. The taste becomes bitter:

Increased levels of glycoalkaloids can give potatoes a bitter taste, making them unpleasant to eat.

3. Reduces nutritional value:

The sprouting process uses up nutrients stored in potatoes, potentially reducing their nutritional value.

Can the toxicity of sprouted potatoes be eliminated?

Glycoalkaloids are typically concentrated in the leaves, eyes, and sprouts of potatoes. Discarding these parts and peeling the skin can help reduce the risk of toxicity. However, Dr. Varalakshmi says she “personally wouldn’t recommend it.” It’s best to discard sprouted potatoes and buy fresh ones to eat.

Read also : 5 Unique Ways to Use the Humble Potato in Everyday Life. Number 3 Will Surprise You

How to keep potatoes fresh and sprout-free for a long time?

We agree that buying potatoes in bulk is always a good option for any type of cooking. Therefore, it is important to take special care when storing the vegetable to prevent it from sprouting. The best way to do this is to store it in a cool, dark and dry place. But always remember to avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can increase the sugar level in the vegetable, affecting its taste and texture once cooked. Click here for more tips on how to store potatoes properly.

Bonus tip: We have also given you some tips to follow every time you go out to buy potatoes. Find them here.