Sprouted Potatoes: Health Risks and Prevention

Kathmandu. Potatoes are used daily in almost every household. When there are no other vegetables at home, potato curry, fry, or mash can be easily made and eaten. Kitchen work is impossible without potatoes.

It is also used in many dishes. Many people call potatoes the king of vegetables. Potatoes are used so much in Nepali kitchens that we buy and store kilos of potatoes.

However, when potatoes are stored for a long time, they start to sprout. Seeing such potatoes, the question must surely arise in your mind, 'Is it safe for health to eat sprouted potatoes?'

What is a sprouted potato?

When we keep potatoes unused for a long time, small sprouts start to emerge. Over time, these sprouts grow larger. Such a condition is called a sprouted potato. This problem is often seen when potatoes are stored in a warm place, near the gas stove in the kitchen, or for a long time.

What happens to potatoes after sprouting?

When potatoes start to sprout, toxic substances called solanine and chaconine naturally increase in them. These substances protect the plant from insects and fungi. But they can be harmful to humans.

Harm of eating aged potatoes

There are no benefits to eating aged potatoes. Experts say to avoid aged or green potatoes as much as possible. But eating such potatoes can be harmful to health. It can increase the risk of food poisoning. Problems like stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur. Headache and weakness may be felt. Eating in large quantities can affect the nervous system. Dizziness, confusion, and extreme weakness can occur. This is even more risky for children and the elderly. If the potato has turned green, the amount of solanine in it is high. Such potatoes should not be eaten at all.

In what condition should sprouted potatoes not be eaten?

• If large sprouts have emerged
• If the potato is soft or dried
• If the potato appears green
• If there is a foul smell

Can slightly sprouted potatoes be eaten?

If the sprout is small and the potato has not turned green, the sprouted part can be cut off and cooked well and eaten. However, it is safer not to eat heavily sprouted or green potatoes at all.

How to prevent potatoes from sprouting?

• Keep potatoes in a cool and dry place
• Keep away from sunlight
• Do not refrigerate
• Do not store potatoes and onions together.