Can You Eat Potatoes That Have Sprouts?

Potatoes are a staple in many households, but what happens when they start sprouting? Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes, or should they be tossed away? Understanding the safety and nutritional aspects of sprouted potatoes can help you make informed decisions in your kitchen.

In a Nutshell

• Sprouted Potatoes Safety: Sprouts contain toxins like solanine and chaconine that can be harmful.
• Consumption Guidance: It’s usually safe if you remove the sprouts and eyes, but caution is advised.
• Nutritional Impact: Sprouts can slightly reduce nutritional value.
• Storage Tips: Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place to avoid sprouting.

Table of Contents

1. What Causes Potatoes to Sprout?
2. Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe to Eat?
3. Nutritional Aspects of Eating Sprouted Potatoes
4. How to Use Sprouted Potatoes Safely
5. Preventing Potatoes from Sprouting
6. FAQ

What Causes Potatoes to Sprout?

Potatoes sprout when dormant conditions are not met. This means when exposed to warmth, light, and moisture, potatoes begin to grow shoots. Sprouting is a natural process that indicates the potato is alive and ready to start a new growth cycle. Factors like temperature and light exposure heavily influence sprouting:

• Temperature: Keeping potatoes at or below 7 °C (45 °F) can delay sprouting.
• Light Exposure: Potatoes exposed to light tend to sprout faster due to increased energy intake.

Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe to Eat?

Consuming sprouted potatoes can be risky due to toxins. Sprouts and the surrounding areas of a potato can develop toxic compounds like solanine and chaconine, which can cause symptoms ranging from headaches to nausea if ingested in large amounts. However, there are safety guidelines to consider:

• Small Sprouts: If the potato is firm and only has small sprouts, it’s generally safe to consume after removing the sprouts and surrounding ‘eyes’.
• Soft or Green Potatoes: Avoid these as they indicate higher toxin levels.
• For more information, refer to Can You Eat Potatoes That Have Sprouts.

Nutritional Aspects of Eating Sprouted Potatoes

Sprouting may slightly diminish a potato’s nutritional value. Although potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, sprouting uses some nutrients, which can result in a:

• Slight Nutrient Reduction: Some decrease in vitamins such as Vitamin C.
• Increased Toxins Levels: Increased solanine levels can negate health benefits.

To learn more about the nutritional elements of various foods, visit Can You Eat.

How to Use Sprouted Potatoes Safely

If choosing to eat sprouted potatoes, take precautionary steps:

• Cut Away Sprouts and Eyes: Ensure you remove all sprouts and the area around the eyes.
• Use Sooner Than Later: Once a potato sprouts, its quality decreases faster.
• Cook Thoroughly: Cooking can reduce but not eliminate all toxins.

For more comprehensive advice, Michigan State University Extension offers practical guides.

Preventing Potatoes from Sprouting

Proper storage plays a crucial role in prevention. To keep your potatoes fresher for longer and avoid sprouting:

• Cool and Dark Storage: Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4-7 °C (39-45 °F).
• Avoid Airtight Storage: Use breathable bags or open containers.
• Separate from Onions: Onions and potatoes should not be stored together as they emit gases that can cause each other to spoil faster.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac provides more tips on food storage to reduce spoilage.

FAQ

1. Can eating sprouted potatoes make you sick?
Yes, if consumed in large amounts due to toxins like solanine.

2. How can I tell if a potato is too sprouted to eat?
If a potato is overly soft, has many or long sprouts, or has turned green, it should not be consumed.

3. Can cooking kill the toxins in sprouted potatoes?
Cooking can reduce toxins but doesn’t eliminate them completely.

4. Is it safe to plant sprouted potatoes?
Yes, sprouted potatoes can be planted and will likely grow into new potato plants.

5. Can you eat green potatoes if you remove the green part?
It is not recommended as the green indicates higher solanine levels.

6. How long do potatoes take to sprout?
Under room temperature, potatoes can start to sprout within weeks.

7. Are there any benefits to sprouted potatoes?
Nutrient-wise, no additional benefits are associated with sprouted potatoes compared to non-sprouted ones.