Can you eat Potatoes that turn Green?- Green Potatoes 101

This topic became a prompt for discussion recently at home when I noticed a few potatoes in the big bag that I got home from the supermarket had green spots on them.

Needless to say, I went on a search to get my answer. But all the conflicting advice written out there led to this write-up, only so that you get the accurate information in one stop and get to know everything you need to.

Why do potatoes turn green?

Let us go back to our school science class for a while to revise.

1. Potatoes are underground tubers that grow on the roots of the potato plant, Solanum tuberosum.
2. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that allows plants to absorb energy from light.
3. Sprouting is the natural process by which seeds or spores germinate and put out shoots, and already established plants produce new leaves or buds, or other structures that experience further growth.

I am sure you understood what I was trying to convey.

As tubers… potatoes crave darkness! They are developed to survive nature by storing nutrients underground until spring, wherein they kickstart new growth as soon as they get a suitable environment.

Hence, if potatoes are improperly stored or exposed to light during periods of growth, handling, or storage, they find the nice, warm and bright environment similar to springtime… and hence excitedly begin to sprout!

This leads to increased chlorophyll production which slowly tints the peel, and eventually, some of the flesh is green.

Lesson No. 1

Store potatoes properly. Now while we cannot control how they are handled and stored from the grass root level, we can make sure that the potatoes we get from the market are stored properly and kept away from the light. Your ideal location for potato storage is somewhere cool and dark, like a basement if you grow your own produce in bulk, or in an aerated covered bin. While these breathable storage bags are very handy, you can get creative and stitch one up yourself or use a basket instead.

Just remember, to keep them away from stressors, such as heat and extreme temperature changes.

What is Solanine?

Now, while chlorophyll is a harmless chemical, its presence in potatoes that begin to germinate indicates that the tubers have also increased their production of a glycoalkaloid known as solanine.

Mother Nature always knows how to protect herself. The production of solanine is a defense mechanism to preserve the sprouting bud from hungry animal mouths.

Remember, Solanine is considered a neurotoxin, and ingestion by humans is known to cause nausea and headaches and can lead to serious neurological problems and even death if enough is consumed! (I am not trying to scare you, just presenting facts here ?)

A study suggested that a 16-oz (450-gram) fully green potato is enough to make a small adult ill. [1] 

Does Cooking Potatoes destroy Solanine?

This is where conflicting evidence lies and is perhaps why you see conflicting advice on whether or not green potatoes should be consumed.

Take a look at these snapshots that I have attached below.

One source suggested-

Another study suggested-

What is the verdict?

According to my research, Cooking does NOT destroy the solanine toxin, and there is no point in experimenting with baking, boiling, or frying.

Lesson No. 2

The green parts of potatoes should be removed entirely. Green potatoes should especially not be served to children, whose smaller bodies make them more susceptible to poisoning since a small amount of solanine is enough to produce the symptoms in them. 

Remember, clinical manifestations of solanine poisoning intoxication occur within 7-19 hrs after ingestion and the treatment is largely supportive. In the most severe cases, symptoms have been known to resolve within 1-2 weeks. [2]

Conclusion- Should we eat potatoes that turn green?

It depends.

I am not trying to be diplomatic but just giving you the wisdom to make a fair choice. If you see a small part go green, but the rest of the potato is firm and good, simply cut that part out and use the rest of it. I have done that, and my family was luckily fine each time ?

But, if the potato has developed multiple green spots, it is simply better to discard the entire potato.

Lesson No. 3

When in doubt, throw them out!

Or better still, plant them in your garden or in a grow bag! Potatoes are one of the easiest to grow and are very rewarding since a single potato can give you a nice bounty!

Pro Tip

• I remember, my mother always removed any eyes that sprouted out on a potato if she had the intention of storing them for a long while. My guess is, that by doing so, we are making the potato go over the entire process of sprouting life again, thereby slowing down the subsequent chlorophyll and solanine content. Now I am not sure, my mommy knew the exact science behind doing so, but she simply did what she saw her mother do. That is why I always say- “Old is gold, and our ancestral wisdom is the actual stories that must be told!”

• Do not buy bagged potatoes or those that are sold together in bags. It is in these lots that I invariably encounter a few potatoes turning green. It is better to individually choose each potato as that ensures you pick up the best of the lot as far as possible.

Let me know if there are any cultural practices that we can learn from. Our nourished family here loves to share, learn and connect.

Sending lots of healthy, and happy wishes your way.?

Summary & Pro-tips about whether Green Potatoes are Dangerous to eat.

Can green potatoes kill if ingested? Read on to find all your answers and to learn everything about a potato going green!

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Instructions

 

• Store potatoes properly. While we cannot control how they are handled and stored from the grass root level, we can make sure that the potatoes we get from the market are stored properly and kept away from the light. Your ideal location for potato storage is somewhere cool and dark, like a basement if you grow your own produce in bulk, or in an aerated covered bin. While these breathable storage bags are very handy, you can get creative and stitch one up yourself or use a basket instead.

  Just remember, to keep them away from stressors, such as heat and extreme temperature changes.
• The green parts of potatoes should be removed entirely. Green potatoes should especially not be served to children, whose smaller bodies make them more susceptible to poisoning since a small amount of solanine is enough to produce the symptoms in them. 
• When in doubt, throw them out!

  Or better still, plant them in your garden or in a grow bag! Potatoes are one of the easiest to grow and are very rewarding since a single potato can give you a nice bounty!
• Remove any eyes that sprout on a potato
• Do not buy bagged potatoes or those that are sold together in bags. It is in these lots that I invariably encounter a few potatoes turning green. It is better to individually choose each potato as that ensures you pick up the best of the lot as far as possible.

References

1. Mensinga TT, Sips AJ, Rompelberg CJ, van Twillert K, Meulenbelt J, van den Top HJ, van Egmond HP. Potato glycoalkaloids and adverse effects in humans: an ascending dose study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2005 Feb;41(1):66-72. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2004.09.004. Epub 2004 Dec 10. PMID: 15649828.
2. Robert M. Kliegman MD, in Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 2020
3. Hazards and Diseases C. Crews, in Encyclopedia of Food Safety, 2014

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