Can you eat potatoes after removing the sprouts?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, once potatoes sprout, they are not recommended for consumption even if the sprouts are removed. To ensure food safety and health, as soon as sprouting is detected in potatoes, regardless of the extent of sprouting, they should be discarded decisively and not consumed. Additionally, when purchasing and storing potatoes, one should select fresh potatoes with smooth skins, no damage, and no sprouting, and store them in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated environment.
Generally speaking, once potatoes sprout, they are not recommended for consumption even if the sprouts are removed. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Although the remaining portion of sprouted potatoes may appear edible after removing the sprouts, it is not advisable to consume them. Potato sprouting is a natural phenomenon caused by environmental humidity, temperature, and other factors during storage. The sprouting process produces solanine, a toxic substance harmful to human health. Even after removing the sprouted portions, potatoes may still contain residual solanine, especially in the tissues surrounding the sprouts, where toxin levels may be higher. Consuming potatoes containing solanine can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while more severe cases may lead to neurological poisoning, including symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and convulsions.
To ensure food safety and health, once potatoes are found to have sprouted, regardless of the degree of sprouting, they should be discarded immediately and not consumed. Additionally, when purchasing and storing potatoes, one should choose fresh potatoes with smooth skins, no damage, and no sprouting. Potatoes should be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated environment to extend their freshness and reduce the risk of sprouting.
