Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes.

Potatoes are a staple in diets worldwide, valued for their versatility, affordability, and nutritional benefits. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Potato sprouting is typical in our kitchen. Have you ever questioned if it is safe to eat such potatoes? In this blog, we will discuss if it is safe to consume. What is the reason for sprouting? Will it result in health problems?.

What is potato sprouting?

When potatoes are preserved for a longer amount of time, they develop shoots or eyes. When they are exposed to light, chlorophyll causes them to turn green. When potatoes are stored in a warm environment, they sense appropriate moisture and their dormant eyes activate, resulting in sprouting.

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Reason for potatoes sprouting

Known for their affordability and numerous uses, potatoes are a popular vegetable worldwide. Potatoes are used for quick meals, snacks, or as a binding agent in some recipes. For this reason, restaurants and even homes buy potatoes in bulk and store them. Inadequate storage is the primary cause of potato sprouting. Potatoes have a higher chance of sprouting when stored in a warm, humid atmosphere or exposed to sunlight. Potatoes are members of the nightshade family, or Solanaceae, which naturally contains a type of poisonous substance called glycoalkaloids. Solanine and chaconine are the two main glycoalkaloids found in potatoes. All potatoes contain these compounds in trace amounts, however, the potato starts to sprout or turn green due to exposure to light.

Effects of sprouting

Potatoes create Glycoalkaloids during the sprouting process. The potato plant uses glycoalkaloids as a natural defense mechanism to protect from pests and illnesses. Solanine and chaconine are potatoes' main glycoalkaloids. All potatoes have little amounts of these compounds, but as a potato starts to sprout or turns green from exposure to light, the concentration of these molecules increases substantially. This greening indicates that solanine, a naturally occurring poisonous chemical, is present in high concentrations. This results in a loss of some nutrients, including vitamin C content and carbs.

Nausea, vomiting, and other health problems are brought on by high solanine intake. In large enough amounts, they may pose a threat to human health. Acetylcholine, essential for both muscular contraction and nerve signal transmission, is one of the neurotransmitters that glycoalkaloids disrupt the body's capacity to regulate when ingested.

How to consume if potatoes are sprouted

1. Small Sprouts and Firm Potatoes: If the potato is still firm and only has small sprouts, it may be safe to eat after removing the sprouts and any green areas. Be sure to peel the potato thoroughly and cut away any soft or discolored spots. Cooking the potato at high temperatures (such as boiling or baking) can also help reduce the glycoalkaloid content.

2. Soft or Shriveled Potatoes: If the potato is soft, shriveled, or has extensive sprouting, it is best to discard it. The glycoalkaloid concentration is likely higher in such potatoes, making them more toxic and less nutritious.

3. Pregnant Women and Young Children: Pregnant women and young children should be particularly cautious about consuming sprouted potatoes due to their increased vulnerability to toxins. These groups should avoid sprouted potatoes altogether.

How to prevent potatoes from sprouting

Proper storage is the key solution for preventing potatoes from sprouting.

• store in a cool, dry, and dark place.
• less exposure to sunlight.
• avoid storing near onions.
• buy when it is fresh.
• remove if it is sprouted so it does not affect other potatoes.
• avoid storing for a longer time.

Positive effects of sprouted potatoes

The sprouted potatoes contain vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber. it can be used for 

• planted in the garden to grow into a new plant.
• use as fertilizer in any plant for them to grow well.

While potatoes are a nutritious and delicious food, it's important to be cautious when they begin to sprout. The increased levels of glycoalkaloids in sprouted potatoes can lead to serious health issues, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to potentially life-threatening neurological effects. By recognizing the signs of sprouting and following proper storage practices, you can enjoy the benefits of potatoes without the risks associated with glycoalkaloid poisoning. Remember, when in doubt, it's better to discard sprouted potatoes than to risk your health.