Surely, you must have heard someone say that you shouldn't eat green potatoes or potatoes with sprouts. It is very clear that not everyone understands the meaning of this phrase and just repeats it. However, is there really any truth behind this recommendation?
Understand a little more about this and see below if this statement really makes any sense.
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Learn more about green and sprouted potatoes
If you look closely at a potato, you'll notice tiny dots on its skin. These are, in fact, the so-called “nodes” of the stem. On a normal stem, above the ground, they will give rise to new foliage and twigs.
However, if you leave them in a cupboard for an extended period of time, these little knots will turn into buds. Even if you leave them in the fridge, in the presence of light or at low temperatures, this can happen.
Thus, the best option is to keep them in a cool and dry place so that their useful life can be extended. This is because certain biochemical reactions occur in the potato when it is exposed to light, either from a window or outdoors.
Should I consume it in this state?
When you find some green parts in the potato, it means that the production of chlorophyll has been triggered. It can be said that, in part, it is not harmful and contains large amounts of minerals, such as, for example, iron.
However, light and heat also trigger the production of a chemical called solanine, which can cause symptoms of intoxication when consumed in large amounts. These symptoms can be nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache and stomach pain, as well as burning in the throat and feeling dizzy.
It sounds like an exaggeration, but it's not. Solanine tends to gather near the base of potatoes, along with chlorophyll, and is commonly found in developing sprouts. Therefore, experts do not advise consuming green or sprouted potatoes.
It is true that some people are more resistant and do not have symptoms, or only experience them in smaller doses, as each organism is different. However, this does not mean that the body is not being harmed by the presence of solanine.
Does removing these parts leave the potato new and unscratched?
Of course, if you remove the green part and the buds, it will reduce the chances of a negative reaction, as it lowers the concentration of solanine. However, the taste of potatoes can be altered, becoming a little bitter, in addition to the risk of intoxication by this substance still remaining.
So the best advice is to simply plant the potato in the garden if it is showing sprouts. This will result in a new batch of fresh, healthy potatoes. If you plant them, they will grow healthy and you won't have to worry about toxins.