The chlorophyll that gives some potatoes their green color is completely harmless. In fact, it's present in many of the plant foods you eat every day. Nevertheless, greening in potatoes can also signal the production of something less desirable and potentially harmful — a toxic plant compound called solanine ( 1 ). 7 сент. 2017 г.
Is it safe to eat potatoes that are green under the skin?
If you peel a green potato, you may notice the flesh isn't green. These potatoes are still not safe to eat. A good rule to follow is that if a potato tastes bitter at all, it should be thrown away.
How much green on a potato is safe?
A recent study suggested that a 16-oz (450-gram) fully green potato is enough to make a small adult ill. Cooking does not destroy the solanine toxin, so the green parts of potatoes should be removed entirely.
What is poisonous in potatoes?
Potatoes contain two kinds of glycoalkaloids, both natural toxins, called solanine and chaconine. Exposure to light greatly increases the formation of chlorophyll and glycoalkaloids.
Can potatoes become poisonous?
Not to worry though, fatal cases of solanine poisoning are very rare these days. Most commercial varieties of potatoes are screened for solanine, but any potato will build up the toxin to dangerous levels if exposed to light or stored improperly.
