Is it safe to eat sweet potatoes that have sprouted purple shoots?

Aug 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Whether sweet potatoes with purple sprouts can be eaten depends on the condition of the sweet potato itself. If the sweet potato has only developed purple sprouts and the skin is not rotten or spoiled, it can be consumed in small amounts after thoroughly removing the sprouts and the surrounding area. However, if the sweet potato has purple sprouts along with signs such as soft and decayed skin, unpleasant odor, or internal mold, it is not recommended for consumption. To prevent sweet potatoes from sprouting purple sprouts too early, they should be stored in a cool place during daily storage.

Generally speaking, whether sweet potatoes with purple sprouts can be eaten depends on the condition of the sweet potato itself. If the sweet potato has only developed purple sprouts and the skin is not rotten or spoiled, it can be consumed in small amounts after thoroughly removing the sprouts and the surrounding area. However, if the sweet potato has purple sprouts accompanied by softness, a foul smell, or internal mold on the skin, it is not recommended for consumption. Detailed explanation is as follows:

If the sweet potato has only sprouted purple shoots and the skin remains intact, smooth, without spots, rotting, or mold, and feels firm and not soft or hollow when pressed, it can be eaten after thoroughly cutting away the purple sprouted eyes and the surrounding 1-2 cm area. After removing the affected portions, the remaining flesh can be cooked normally, although the taste and nutritional value may be slightly reduced.

However, if the sweet potato sprouts purple shoots while the skin shows brown spots, signs of rotting, or emits a sour or moldy smell, feels soft when pressed, or even shows internal moldiness and blackening, it is not advisable to eat. At this point, the sweet potato may already be contaminated by mold, which could cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed.

To prevent sweet potatoes from sprouting purple shoots too early, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place during daily storage. Avoid direct sunlight and humid environments. Do not store them together with ethylene-releasing fruits such as apples and bananas, to prevent accelerating sprouting.

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