Are sprouted potatoes safe to eat? Health expert settles the debate

Sprouted potatoes can contain toxic levels of compounds called glycoalkaloids, which can cause serious issues

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Potatoes are a staple ingredient in households throughout the UK, and for good reason. They are incredibly versatile, affordable and tasty.

However, many people will be familiar with the sinking feeling of reaching into the bag or box where they store their potatoes, only to discover they have turned green and begun to sprout.

It may be tempting to simply remove the sprouts and carry on with your dinner plans – but this would be an error.

According to VeryWell Health, sprouted potatoes can contain toxic levels of compounds known as glycoalkaloids.

These are essential for protecting the plant against fungi and insects – but if consumed by humans they can trigger severe gastrointestinal distress reports the Express.

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Symptoms of glycoalkaloid toxicity include:

• Abdominal cramps
• A bitter taste in the mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Throat burning sensation
• Vomiting

In severe cases it can cause:

• Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or remembering
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Paralysis (inability to move all or part of the body)
• Tremors, uncontrollable shaking

If you want to be certain that your potatoes are safe to consume, look out for greenish discolouration in the flesh, sprouting, damage and bruising or a pungent, musty smell.

If your potatoes have only sprouted slightly, and there is no green discolouration present, then it is generally safe to remove the sprouts and eat them.

However, if there is considerable greening or substantial sprouting, it is far safer to throw them away.

To keep your potatoes safe to eat for longer, ensure you are storing them properly.

Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight, and opt for dark drawers or cupboards instead.

Make sure they have adequate airflow by storing them in a perforated bag or an open box. Aim to maintain a steady temperature – avoid refrigerating raw potatoes or storing them beside radiators.