Is a green potato edible or poisonous? Should it be thrown away at the first sign of greening?
First, why does the potato turn green?
Potatoes turn green when poorly stored. They then produce chlorophyll, a green pigment, completely harmless, present in all kinds of green vegetables (spinach, tops, etc.). On the other hand, chlorophyll has the effect of promoting the concentration of solanine, a toxic substance synthesized to prevent any insects and bacteria from degrading it. It is also always present in its peels, leaves, sprouts and stems but also appears in the potato when it turns green.
Is solanine from green potatoes toxic to humans?
When the potato is green, it contains solanine, which in large doses is toxic to humans. Indeed, it causes dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, hallucinations and burns in the throat. However, to get to this point, you would have to eat a VERY large number of green potatoes.
How to eat a green potato?
If the potatoes are green in only a few places, remove the green areas and peel them to remove as much solanine as possible.
On the other hand, if they are entirely green, it is better not to consume them for fear that the amount of solanine produced by the potato is too important and that it is also in the flesh.
How can I keep the potatoes from turning green?
To avoid throwing away a whole bag of potatoes that have turned green, you just need to keep them in the right conditions: in a dark, cool (maximum 5 ° C) and dry room. It is also possible to keep them for 1 month in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.
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