Is it possible to eat potatoes with green spots: the final answer
We understand why green spots appear on potatoes and whether tubers can still be eaten.
Potato lovers often notice green spots on the bulbs. Many people have heard that such vegetables should not be eaten. UNIAN figured out why the potato turns green, whether it can be eaten and what the consequences of eating can be.
Why are potatoes green under the skin?
Green spots on bulbs are formed due to exposure to direct sunlight or storage in transparent packaging. Under the influence of the sun in the bulbs, the amount of toxin increases solanine. Normally, there is always a small amount of solanine in potatoes, but in green areas it is much more. Potatoes need this poison to protect themselves from pests. However, it is deadly poisonous to humans.
Green spots are not the only sign of high solanine content. Toxin is also a lot in strongly sprouted potatoesso you can’t eat it either.
Can you eat green potatoes
Physicians unequivocally agree that don’t eat green potatoes. The content of solanine in green areas is dangerous to health.
There is no clear opinion about can green potatoes be cut and eat the white pulp. There are different data on whether only green areas or the entire tuber are dangerous. If you are worried about your health, then it is better to stop using it. And definitely not worth giving such potatoes to children.
What happens if you eat green potatoes
When eating green spots of potatoes, there is a risk of poisoning. Symptoms of solanine poisoning such:
- headache;
- nausea;
- spasms in the stomach;
- vomit;
- labored breathing;
- pupil dilation;
- rapid pulse;
- sensation of coldness in the extremities;
- in the most severe cases, convulsions; fainting and death.
For serious poisoning, you need to eat about 2 kilograms of green fruits at a time, which is quite a lot. However, the toxin is excreted from the body only after a day, so you can get poisoned the next day.
Solanine poisoning is very rare, but it’s still better not to risk it. The toxin is especially dangerous for children, because they can be poisoned by a smaller dose than adults.
Is it possible to plant green potatoes
Good news for summer residents – plant green potatoes! The solanine in the tubers will not pass into the next crop. In addition, it has been verified that tubers with green spots are better stored until spring. Therefore, it is not necessary to throw them away – set aside for planting next year.