Potatoes contain two kinds of glycoalkaloids, both natural toxins, called solanine and chaconine. Exposure to light greatly increases the formation of chlorophyll and glycoalkaloids. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of many plants and is not toxic.
Did potatoes used to be poisonous?
The story of potato started around 350 million years ago, when they started to evolve from the poisonous ancestor of the plant nightshade (this family of plants eventually evolved not only into potatoes, but also into tobacco, chili peppers, bell peppers and tomatoes).
Why do potatoes turn poisonous?
Summary: When exposed to light, potatoes produce a toxin called solanine. It protects them from insects and bacteria, but it's toxic to humans.
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