Can you eat sprouted potatoes? One sign means they must be thrown away immediately

While potatoes that have started to sprout don't necessarily need to be thrown away, caution is advised regarding the natural toxin solanine. According to Dr. Norbert Haase from the Max Rubner Institute, if the sprouts are small, the potato can still be consumed after removing the sprouts, peel, and any green areas. Solanine levels increase as sprouts grow longer, potentially spreading deeper into the tuber. If sprouts reach about five centimeters or more, it is recommended to discard the entire potato. Green parts on the potato also indicate the presence of solanine, a bitter-tasting substance found in plants like potatoes and tomatoes. While minor green areas can be cut away, significant greening warrants discarding the potato. Special care is advised for children, as smaller body mass can make them more susceptible to solanine's effects. Removing the peel before eating can further reduce solanine intake. Young potatoes harvested and sold shortly after picking are often an exception, typically lacking green parts. Even the water used to boil potatoes should be discarded, as solanine can leach into it. Proper storage is crucial; keeping potatoes in a dark, cool place between six and eight degrees Celsius slows sprouting and greening. Basements or cool pantries are ideal, and balconies can be used in winter if protected from light and extreme cold. Ultimately, small sprouts are not a cause for panic, but long sprouts, noticeable greening, and a bitter taste are clear warnings to avoid consumption.

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Such potatoes can be eaten if you remove the sprouts, peel, and all green parts.