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Are Green Potatoes Safe to Eat?

Have you ever wondered why potatoes turn green? Are they safe for consumption then? read this story to find the answer.
Swati Takale

Did You Know?

A typical potato has a solanine content of less than 0.2 mg/g. However, as it starts to green, the concentrations may increase to 1 mg/g or more, thereby making the potato unsafe for consumption.
Potatoes hold the first position among the leading crops in the United States and rank fourth in the list of the most consumed crops in the world. They are one of the richest sources of starch, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
They have antioxidant properties because of good concentrations of vitamin C. Recent studies suggest that potatoes have anti-cancer and cardioprotective properties owing to the presence of a flavonoid antioxidant called quercetin.
In spite of having all these health-beneficial properties, potatoes can sometimes be termed unsafe. But when? It's when they turn green. Potatoes have a tendency to turn green when exposed to light, irrespective of whether they are homegrown or store-bought.
This bright green layer on a potato's skin raises suspicions about the safety of its consumption. In this article, we will discuss why potatoes turn green, and what implications it can have on our health.
What Happens When Potatoes Turn Green?

Potatoes often turn green if exposed to light for long spans of time. The underlying reason is the formation of chlorophyll. However, the greening of potatoes is an indication that they are not fit for consumption.
The potato plant produces a toxic chemical called solanine. Solanine is a glycoalkaloid that protects the potato plant from animal and insect attacks. Though useful for the potato plant, solanine is harmful for humans and animals.
This chemical is in high concentrations in the leaves, stems, and sprouts of the plant, while it is less concentrated in the tubers. Prolonged exposure to light or any damage to the potatoes, increases the levels of solanine in them. Hence, if a potato has turned green it's likely to contain higher levels of this toxin.

Are Green Potatoes Safe for Consumption?

When the potatoes turn green, solanine increases to potentially dangerous levels. Therefore, it is not advisable to eat them. Following are the reasons why you should avoid eating green potatoes.
☞ Solanine present in the potatoes may cause food poisoning with symptoms similar to gastroenteritis such as vomiting and diarrhea, and other health problems like headache, nausea, and fatigue.
☞ Excess consumption of solanine can cause illness, or even death in extreme cases. There are records which indicate that many people and animals have died due to the consumption of green potatoes with very high solanine levels.
☞ None of the cooking methods can reduce or eradicate solanine from the green potatoes.
☞ Increased solanine concentration renders a bitter taste to the potatoes after being cooked.
☞ Studies suggest that solanine poisoning can be fatal for the unborn baby. Therefore, it is strongly advised that pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy, should avoid eating green potatoes at all costs.
The highest concentration of solanine is in the skin of the potato, usually no deeper than 3 mm. Therefore, peeling off the small green spots will help reduce the toxin, and you may be able to use the potato then. However, if the greening is more extensive, it is best to discard the potato.
Always check the potatoes for any traces of greening before purchasing, and store them in a well-ventilated, cool, dry, and dark area of the house.