SHOULD WE EAT GREEN POTATOES?
ARE THEY POISONOUS?
First of all, you would like to know - How potatoes turn green?
A: It happens when the potatoes are exposed to sunlight or artificial light during growth or storage.
Now the question is "Can we eat green potatoes"?
Absolutely "No" as the Green color indicates the presence of a Toxin called Solanine.
What is solanine?
Solanine is a mild natural toxin that causes nausea and other intestinal upsets. If you take enough of it, it can cause neurological problems.
The potatoes that are really“ gone fully green” have to be totally discarded or thrown away.
If there are few green spots on a potato, they can be cut away. The remaining portion of the potato is fine for you to eat.
But if you want to be extra safe, you should never eat a potato that has even the tiniest bit of green on it.
Q: Can I eat green potatoes if I peel them?
A: Peeling green potatoes can help reduce solanine level but once a potato has turned fully green it's best to throw it away.
Q: Can cooking destroy the solanine toxin?
A: Cooking can not destroy the solanine toxin.
Q: How to prevent potatoes from turning green?
A: Keep your potatoes in a cool, dark place with good air circulation as much as possible.
Please be careful before purchasing from the store.
Very important Tip :
Always buy food in quantities that your household can consume in a reasonable amount of time.
Last but not least - What to do with the green potatoes?
You can plant them in your garden or in big pots at home.
Here is the video on this topic (Is it safe to eat green potatoes)
Dr. Suman Setia