When a potato starts showing a faint green tinge on its skin, it is tempting to shrug it off, but that greenish patch is worth paying attention to. Potatoes are one of the most frequently used vegetables in Indian kitchens, turning up almost daily as a plain curry, in parathas, tikkis and countless snacks. Before any of that cooking begins, though, the potato needs a proper look over, because simply slicing away a rotten or worm eaten bit does not automatically make the rest of it safe to eat. If green marks show up on the skin, they should not be brushed aside.
Green potatoes are not just a case of changed colour. That shift can point to a chemical change happening inside the potato that actually matters for health. Experts say eating green potatoes can be harmful, which is why it helps to understand why potatoes turn green in the first place, whether they are still safe to cook, and how to store them so this problem does not keep coming up.
Why Do Potatoes Turn Green?
When potatoes are left in strong sunlight or bright light for long stretches, chlorophyll starts forming on their skin, and that is what turns them green. Chlorophyll itself is not dangerous. Its presence is simply a warning sign that a toxic compound called solanine could also be building up inside the potato.
How Dangerous Is Solanine for the Body?
The real problem with solanine is that cooking heat does not destroy it, so boiling, frying or roasting a green potato will not get rid of the toxin. If solanine builds up beyond a certain level in the body, it can interfere with the signals travelling between the brain and the nervous system, which can have a direct effect on health.
Can You Eat a Partly Green Potato?
If only a small patch of a potato has turned green, that green section and the skin around it can be cut away carefully, and the remaining flesh can still go into mashed potatoes, fries or other dishes. However, the US National Capital Poison Center has warned that if a potato has turned green over most of its surface, or if it smells or tastes off, the safest option is to throw the whole thing away.
The Right Way to Store Potatoes
Potatoes should always be stored in a cool, dry and dark place, kept well away from sunlight or strong light. Use a bag that allows air to circulate while storing them, so moisture does not build up and spoil them faster. Keeping potatoes in the refrigerator is best avoided, since the cold temperature causes their starch to convert into sugar, which can change both their taste and texture. Potatoes should also never be stored alongside onions. Stored the right way, potatoes stay fresh and fit to eat for much longer.
