It is time to make dinner, so you begin to place all your ingredients on the kitchen counter. You put your hand in the potato packet and pull out a few greenish spuds with long white sprouts all over them. You may be tempted to simply cut off the sprouts, dice the green spuds, and add them to the pot. However, according to a doctor, you may actually be eating a poisonous potato.
Attack of the Killer Poisonous Potatoes
According to a doctor based in Singapore, Dr Samuel Choudhury, old potatoes may contain a potentially deadly toxin. He especially warned against those potatoes that have turned green and are sprouting. Green patches on potatoes are widely recognized to signify the presence of the toxin solanine, which can result in unpleasant stomach problems, hallucinations, paralysis, and even death in severe cases. However, the doctor states that the toxin can also be found in the potato sprouts. These sprouts typically develop after the potatoes have been exposed to light and humidity for a couple of weeks.
The Case of Maria Harless
In order to illustrate his point, the doctor told his social media followers about the case of a young woman from Colorado called Maria Harless. It all started when Maria had a sudden craving for mashed potatoes, so proceeded to make some from the old potatoes she had in her cupboard. After eating the mashed potatoes, Maria headed to bed and fell asleep. However, she woke up in the middle of the night with a severe headache and started vomiting.
The Poisonous Potato Culprit
Maria then went straight to the emergency room where the ER doctors determined that it must have been the potatoes that made her sick. They figured out that she was suffering from solanine poisoning, a neurotoxin only found in old potatoes. Doctors warn that consuming large quantities of these poisonous potatoes can result in vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and in some cases, even death. In fact, there was one case where a family of seven was reduced to five members after that all consumed these poisonous potatoes.
Err on the Side of Caution
There are certain signs that you can look for to determine whether your potatoes are safe to eat. The green color, sprouts, and bitter taste are all clear signs that the toxin is present. If your potatoes are sprouting and green, it is time to throw them in the compost heap or garbage bin. So, what causes potatoes to turn green and sprout? Well, typically, if your potatoes are not kept in the dark, they will start to turn green. Additionally, if they are stored in warm, moist, or light-filled environments, their sprouts start to grow.
The Quantity of Solanine in Poisonous Potatoes
The European Food Safety Authority states that a harmful dosage of solanine is defined as 1 mg or more per kilogram of body weight. However, estimates of how much solanine is harmful vary from one authority to another. If the potato is still firm and the sprouts are still relatively small, then simply removing them may potentially eliminate the toxin. Additionally, since the toxin is mostly concentrated just underneath the layer of skin, peeling the potatoes reduces the levels of solanine present.
Proper Storage of Potatoes
You should store your potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to prevent them from sprouting or becoming green. Ideal temperatures for potato storage range from 45°F to 55°F. Colder storage (such as in the refrigerator) can change the potato’s flavor and convert starches to sugars. Higher temperatures can speed up the sprouting process. It’s best to keep them out of direct sunshine. Instead of using plastic bags, which retain moisture and encourage spoiling, keep them in paper or burlap bags. Also, keep your potatoes apart from onions since they generate gasses that might accelerate the deterioration of one another.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to potatoes, taking a few basic precautions can make a big difference in your health. As we have learned, green or sprouting potatoes contain solanine, a toxin that can cause serious illness and even be fatal in large amounts. Therefore, you should always inspect your potatoes for any green patches, sprouts, or unusual bitter taste. If in doubt, throw them out! By storing potatoes in cool, dark, well-ventilated conditions and keeping them away from light and humidity, you can help prevent them from turning green or sprouting. A little extra care can ensure your potatoes stay safe and ready to enjoy.