When exposed to light, potatoes manufacture increasing amounts of chlorophyll as well as two bitter-tasting alkaloid compounds, solanine and chaconine. In high concentrations, these can not only make potatoes taste bitter but also can cause headaches and stomachaches.
How do you stop potatoes from being bitter?
A cool, not cold, dark and dry place is best. The ideal temperature is in the 45- to 50-degree range. But a pantry is fine, too, as long as it's not too warm. Don't store potatoes in the refrigerator; that causes their starches to convert to sugar.
Are Bitter potatoes poisonous?
Usually, a person will not keep eating a bitter potato because of the taste. However, if they were to eat a large amount of green potato they might get solanine poisoning. When solanine levels in a potato are greater than 0.1% the vegetable is not suitable for eating and could make a person sick.
Why are potato skins toxic?
Glycoalkaloids occur naturally in potatoes and are toxic to humans at high levels. Glycoalkaloids are concentrated in the peel and prolonged exposure of tubers to light will stimulate the formation of glycoalkaloids near the surface of the potato tuber. Glycoalkaloids are not broken down by cooking or frying.
How do you remove solanine from potatoes?
CONSTITUTION: Solanin is removed from potatoes by dipping the potatoes in vinegar of 30-60 deg. C, containing 0.3-1.0 vol% of acetic acid, for 2-5 minutes.
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