Green Potatoes
They“re flavorful, nutritious, and full of nutrients, but you may have noticed that they”ve sprouted or turned green.
The bottom line is that you shouldn“t eat green potatoes because they”re toxic. According to Eat This, Not That, an American health and food publication, experts say that if a potato has changed color, it means that it”s sprouted and toxic.
Plants produce chlorophyll in the presence of light, which gives them their green color. Potatoes are no different. This would be fine if it was just chlorophyll.
The potato itself contains a certain amount of solanine. But the problem is that it increases dramatically when exposed to sunlight.
In small amounts, they give potatoes their distinctive aroma and slightly astringent taste. However, in higher concentrations, they can cause nausea, hallucinations, sensory loss, paralysis, coma, and even death. Between 30 and 80 percent of the solanine in a potato is produced near the skin. The green color that develops with sun exposure is a sign of high solanine levels.
Solanine is resistant to heat, so it’s hard to remove it with typical home cooking methods. Therefore, it’s wise to avoid eating potatoes that have turned green, even if they are wasted.
It’s okay to cut off the green parts.
So, is it okay to cut off the green part and eat it? If only a small part of the potato has changed color, it’s okay to cut off the discolored part and eat the rest of the potato. However, there may be more discoloration than you think. Therefore, it’s better to be safe and throw it away.
If your potatoes have sprouts or discoloration, they’re inedible. So, it’s important to store them well to prevent this from happening. The biggest cause of sprouts and discoloration is sunlight. Therefore, you should store them in a dark, cool, dry place with low light and no lights. You can also put them in a paper bag or wrap them in newspaper.
Don“t buy potatoes with even the slightest green spots, and if you”re in doubt about the color of the potatoes you”ve just bought, return them immediately. It”s best to avoid storing potatoes in the refrigerator. The starch in them can turn into sugar if the temperature is too low. If they”re peeled, soak them in cold water. Then, drain them, wrap them in a plastic bag or cling film, and refrigerate them.
Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, which maintains skin elasticity and boosts immunity. They also contain magnesium, which is important for bone and cell health.
They”re also known for their ability to reduce inflammation, such as gastritis.