Why It’s For The Best If You Never Eat Sprouted Potatoes

You reach into your pantry, craving roasted potatoes or planning a potato salad, only to find your spuds sprouting those odd, alien-like appendages. They might look harmless, and you might even think, “What’s the harm?” But eating sprouted potatoes isn’t as safe as it seems! Those little green sprouts are more than unsightly—they’re a signal to think twice before tossing them into your dish.

Why Do Potatoes Sprout?

Potatoes sprout when they’re exposed to light, warmth, or moisture for too long, which tricks them into thinking it’s time to grow. Essentially, those sprouts are the potato’s attempt to become a full-grown plant. While harmless to the potato itself, these sprouts are also a red flag, indicating the production of certain chemicals that can pose health risks if ingested.

Why It’s Best Not to Eat Sprouted Potatoes

The problem with sprouted potatoes lies in the compounds solanine and chaconine, both natural toxins that increase as potatoes sprout. In small amounts, these toxins aren’t deadly, but they can cause unpleasant symptoms like nausea, headaches, or digestive distress. The greener the potato and the more it’s sprouted, the higher the level of these compounds. To avoid a queasy aftermath, it’s best to skip the sprouted spuds altogether.

When Are Sprouted Potatoes Still Safe?

If your potato has only tiny sprouts and no green discoloration, you may still be able to salvage it. Simply cut out the sprouts and any green parts (where the toxins concentrate), and cook the potato thoroughly. However, if it’s heavily sprouted or wrinkling, it’s best to let it go. And remember, if there’s a strong bitter taste, it’s a sign the toxins are present.

What to Do with Sprouted Potatoes (Instead of Tossing Them)

Before you throw those sprouted spuds into the compost, consider another use: plant them! If you have a garden, balcony, or even a large pot, you can try planting the sprouted pieces. They may just grow into new potato plants. You can also use sprouted potatoes as compost, letting them break down and add nutrients to the soil.