Potatoes have small holes in their skins called "lenticels." These are actually the orifices through which the tubers respire, or breathe. Excess moisture can cause the lenticels to swell. Then, when they shrink back to normal size, they become discolored. The potatoes are still fine to eat if they are peeled.
Is it safe to eat the brown part of a potato?
This process, which is called oxidation, happens because potatoes are a naturally starchy vegetable. And when exposed to oxygen, starches turn gray, brown, or even black. An oxidized potato is completely safe to eat, the process doesn't affect the flavor or texture of the vegetable.
Can you eat potatoes with Lenticels?
Enlarged lenticels in potatoes can appear while the potatoes are still growing, or they can pop up when potatoes are in storage, giving a gardener a sudden surprise. As long as there aren't signs of other problems, like fungal or bacterial disease, potatoes with swollen lenticels are perfectly safe to eat.
What Does a ring inside a potato mean?
While slicing my potatoes, I noticed a brownish ring in the flesh all around the outside of the potatoes. This condition, called vascular discoloration, is similar to net necrosis. Dry growing conditions cause the vascular ring, which extends around the entire tuber. This condition is not harmful.
How do you know if potatoes are bad to eat?
Whole fresh potatoes Raw potatoes should be firm to the touch with tight skin that's free of large bruises, black spots, or other blemishes. If a potato has become soft or mushy, you should throw it out. Though it's normal for potatoes to smell earthy or nutty, a musty or moldy odor is a hallmark of spoilage.
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