17 окт. 2021 г. · Thankfully there are two common signs that a potato has developed dangerous levels of solanine: they can give off a bitter smell, and their skin .
What happens if you smell potatoes?
Potatoes, like other nightshades, naturally contain a toxin called solanine. Solanine is safe in small amounts, but the fumes created from high levels of this substance can be poisonous if they are inhaled.
What happens if you inhale rotten potatoes?
Rotting potatoes give off a noxious solanine gas that can make a person unconscious if they've inhaled enough. There have even been cases of people dying in their root cellars due to unbeknownst rotting potatoes.
Can you smell potatoes?
When fresh, potatoes give off a pungent earthy aroma easily recognizable when you first purchase them. This scent is acceptable and signifies a healthy vegetable. But if the potato gives off a musty smell like mildew, and you will know, it's time to toss the potato in the trash.
Why do potatoes start to smell?
The problem is caused by insufficient storage. According to MSU, the problem arises when potatoes are exposed to light for too long. Both natural and fluorescent light can provoke toxicity, so it's best to keep potatoes in a paper bag or cardboard box inside a cabinet, pantry, or root cellar that has no light exposure.
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