There isn’t a potato we don’t like, whether it’s fried, mashed, baked, or grilled. Heck, we’ll even put one in a waffle maker—trust us, it tastes great. Therefore, it is extremely upsetting to observe those odd little shoots emerging from your Sunday farmers’ market purchase just as you are about to prepare a mouthwatering potato recipe for dinner. Here’s what you need to know.
Just because a few green or white nubs are protruding from a sprouting potato doesn’t mean you have to discard those delicious taters. However, you must stop the shoot (and be sure to capture some of the surrounding area, as well). According to the National Institutes of Health, as long as the potato is firm and the buds are removed, you’re good to go even though these sprouts contain potentially harmful levels of glycoalkaloids (natural toxins).
How can I prevent my potatoes from sprouting? Sprouts occur when your potato is exposed to a setting that is too warm or too bright. Store potatoes in a cool, dark location (around 50 degrees is ideal) like a closed pantry to prevent nubs. Keep potatoes in a paper bag on the kitchen counter if space is at a premium to block sunlight. However, avoid putting potatoes in the refrigerator as the starches turn into sugar and give potatoes an oddly sweet flavor and grittier texture. No, thanks.
A potato should be thrown away if it feels soft, according to the rule of thumb The same goes for potatoes that are green underneath their skin because this indicates that they are producing the bitter substances solanine and chlorophyll, which can upset your stomach.
How to use a peeler to remove sprouts
Your vegetable peeler has a secret that makes it simple to remove sprouts and brown spots, whether it is traditional or Y-shaped. Sprouts can be dug out using the scoop-shaped tip of a regular peeler. Or use the plastic tab on the side of your Y peeler to achieve the same results.
If potatoes do sprout, can you plant them in the garden and will they mature into the same shape as the original potato?
Dr. Novy advises keeping potatoes in the coolest spot in your house that’s not freezing. g. , basement, garage in the fall and winter (if temperatures don’t drop below freezing) to prevent potatoes from shrinking and sprouting too early. A thawed potato after freezing is not appealing to look at, and it is not fun to dispose of without having disposable gloves on hand. ”.
Dr. Douches: “Purchasing ‘certified’ potatoes for planting either from a garden center or online is the best way to go. Plant pathogens (plant viruses, fungi, etc.) can persist in the tubers from one growing season to the next. Several years ago, our program developed gardening guides. They are available to download on our website here.”
Are there particular potato varieties that are best if you want to store them for a long time?
Dr. David Douches, director of the Potato Breeding and Genetics Program at Michigan State University, says: “Yes, however, the sprouts must be removed and discarded because they are not edible. When a potato begins to sprout, the starch inside the potato converts to sugars enabling the sprout/plant to grow. If the potato is still in good shape and is firm, it is fine to prepare as usual and it still has most of its nutrients. But if the sprouts are long and the potato has shrunk and wrinkled, then it is best to throw it out.”
So, what’s happening when potatoes turn green?
Bottom line: green = garbage can. When exposed to light, potatoes produce an abundance of the green pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, however, is not the issue; these sunny conditions also allow for the growth of hazardous opportunistic glycoalkaloid toxins.