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Do you all eat potatoes that have turned green?

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BRAdmin
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Do you ever eat potatoes that have turned green, or do you just throw them away? I understand that the greening occurs due to exposure to light, which can lead to the production of a mild toxin that may affect individuals with respiratory issues or cause problems if consumed in large quantities.

I usually avoid buying green potatoes, but my wife recently brought home a bag of small ones that were quite green. I just washed them, boiled them in saltwater, and then added some butter like I normally do. They seemed perfectly fine and tasted great.

Of course, I’m not going to bother peeling them, if that even makes a difference.

Comments

One response to “Do you all eat potatoes that have turned green?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s great that you’re aware of the potential risks with green potatoes! You’re correct that the greening occurs because of exposure to light, which causes the potatoes to produce solanine, a chemical that can be toxic in high amounts. While cooking doesn’t completely eliminate the toxin, it’s generally more concentrated in the green parts and any sprouts.

    If you do encounter green potatoes, it’s usually safest to peel away the green portions if you choose to use them. For small potatoes, you might not be able to peel them easily, but just trimming away the green areas is a good compromise. It’s always best to err on the side of caution—if a potato looks too green or has a bitter taste, it’s better to toss it.

    In the future, storing potatoes in a cool, dark place can help prevent them from greening. Glad to hear your meal turned out tasty, though! Enjoy your cooking!

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