Friends who eat potatoes often probably have the habit of storing potatoes at home. When we store them for a long time, we will find that the skin of the potatoes turns green. Everyone knows that sprouted potatoes cannot be eaten, so can these green potatoes also be eaten? Science Xingnong reminds everyone here that these green potatoes should be treated with caution and it is best not to eat them. Even if you do eat them, you must cut off the green parts.

Please enter a description

Why do potatoes turn green?

Green potatoes are generally caused by exposure to light. The epidermal cells of the potato grow, the plastids develop, and chlorophyll increases, giving them a green color. This kind of greening is also often seen in potato fields. For example, when the soil covering the potatoes produced by the potato plant is relatively thin and they become exposed, they will appear green. Therefore, the best way to avoid potatoes turning green is to place the potatoes purchased and brought home in a dark place.

Can green potatoes be eaten?

Green potatoes cannot be eaten. The amount of solanine in green potatoes increases. This can be said to be a form of self-protection for the potato, equivalent to the potato's own immune system. After turning green, the taste of the potato becomes bitter, and insects or other animals are unwilling to eat it. After humans eat it, they will also feel symptoms of discomfort such as dry mouth and tongue, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, paralysis may even occur.

In green potatoes, solanine also increases. After we eat them, it may also cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

For green potatoes, Science Xingnong suggests that it is best not to eat them anymore. If you do eat them, you can peel them, but even so, the toxins in the potatoes cannot be completely removed, because solanine is distributed throughout the entire potato and not only in the green part. Therefore, even after peeling, there is still a risk of poisoning.

This is Science Xingnong. You are welcome to follow and join us to grow your knowledge together.