Can you eat potatoes that have sprouted?

Author: Darrion Schowalter  |  Last update: Friday, May 8, 2026

Sprouted potatoes that are still firm, have relatively small sprouts, and don't show any wrinkles or shriveling are okay to eat, as long as you cut off the sprouted parts and soft spots. However, there's still a chance you could get sick. If your potato is sprouted and shriveled up, then it's too far gone.

Is it OK to eat potatoes that are sprouting?

The Bottom Line. You are better off tossing potatoes that have turned green or grown sprouts. Eating them puts you at risk for toxicity from solanine and chaconine, 2 natural toxins found in green or sprouted potatoes.

What to do with potatoes that have sprouted?

But can you actually eat a sprouted potato? In short, yes, as long as you cut the sprouts away. Use a paring knife to remove the entire sprout and the small part of the potato from which it grows. And no, it's not enough to just remove the eyes with a vegetable peeler as I have done time and time again.

When should you not eat potatoes?

The general rule for knowing if uncooked potatoes have spoiled include a soft/mushy texture, the potato has a bad smell, or there are dark spots on the skin.

What does it mean when potatoes start to sprout?

If potatoes are kept for too long, they will start to use their stored nutrients to grow, leading to sprouts. Humidity: High humidity can also promote sprouting. Potatoes stored in overly damp conditions are more prone to developing sprouts. Keeping storage areas well-ventilated and dry helps to prevent this issue.

How to Deal with Potatoes Sprouting in Storage

What is solanine poisoning?

Despite their nutritional value, potato tuber may harm human health by virtue of their toxic glycoalkaloids (solanine). Acute solanine poisoning can happen from ingesting green or sprouted potatoes. The toxicity of Gas in humans causes mainly gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

What are the symptoms of eating bad potatoes?

High levels of glycoalkaloid are toxic to humans. Acute symptoms, which generally occur 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion, include nausea, vomiting, stomach and abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.

Is it safe to eat sprouted potatoes on Reddit?

If it looks like standard potato it's fine. If it's squishy and has a bunch of discolored spots inside, do not eat.

Should potatoes be refrigerated?

They are safe to eat and a staple in many diets. Potatoes can last for up to several months in a cool pantry. If stored at room temperature, they are best if eaten within one to two weeks. Once cooked, keep them in the fridge for no more than three days.

Can dogs eat potatoes?

Dogs can eat potatoes as long as they are plainly cooked and offered in moderation. Roasted potatoes, prepared without spices or butter are the best way to let your pet have a taste of a delicious spud. But avoid giving your dog raw or boiled potatoes as they're not safe for dogs to eat as they contain solanine.

Will removing sprouts from potatoes make them last longer?

By removing the sprouts now, this will nip this in the bud, so to speak, and the potato will not dehydrate nearly as quickly. So yes, by removing the sprouts and continuing to store the potatoes away from light, unwashed and in the 48°F area you will be able to optimize the potato storage period.

Should you throw away green potatoes?

Consequently, it is important to store potatoes in the absence of light to prevent greening. Tubers with a high concentration of solanine will taste bitter, and can be harmful if eaten in large quantities. To be safe, it is best to not eat the green part of tubers." You do not need to discard green potatoes.

Should you freeze potatoes?

Freezing potatoes can make life so much easier, and in some cases, produce better results (roast potatoes from frozen, for example!). Have an arsenal of different versions at your fingertips, ready to go and without any prep hassle.

Can you still cook a potato that has sprouted?

Sprouted potatoes that are still firm, have relatively small sprouts, and don't show any wrinkles or shriveling are okay to eat, as long as you cut off the sprouted parts and soft spots. However, there's still a chance you could get sick. If your potato is sprouted and shriveled up, then it's too far gone. Toss, it.

Is there anything wrong with sprouted potatoes?

Large sprouts, growths, and roots will not only be unpleasant to eat, but, in the worst cases, can also make you really sick. Symptoms of poisoning from solanine (the specific type of natural toxin found in spoiled potatoes) include everything from a fever and headache to a severely upset stomach or abdominal pain.

What if my potato has small sprouts?

Sometimes called eyes, these frilly growths can look worrisome but are entirely natural. Sprouted potatoes are safe to eat, too; just remove the eyes and check the rest of the potatoes for freshness.

How to stop potatoes from sprouting?

Storing potatoes in a cool, dark (but not forgotten) place hugely decelerates this inevitable decomposition, protects against sprouting, and, to some degree, sweetens the tubers. It's also important not to store potatoes and onions together.

How long does it take to get sick from a bad potato?

Symptoms of food poisoning often include upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms usually start within hours or several days of eating the food. Most people have mild illness and get better without treatment.

Does cooking potatoes remove solanine?

Solanine is not removed by boiling, but it can be destroyed by frying. Solanine poisoning is uncommon as cooks and the public are aware of the problem and tend to avoid green potatoes, in any case, consumption of up to 5 g of green potato per kg body weight per day does not appear to cause acute illness.

How to tell when a potato has gone bad?

To tell if a raw potato is bad, look for a soft texture, wrinkled skin, or a bad smell. To tell if cooked potatoes are bad, check for a strong foul odor or visible mold. If your potato has sprouted, you can still eat it. Just cut the sprouts off and you're good to go.

Can I use old potatoes to grow new ones?

Yes, it's true—you can grow potatoes from potatoes! Take your pick from russet, Yukon, fingerling, and more varieties, then get your potato patch started so you can enjoy all their starchy goodness fresh from your garden.

Do potatoes contain solanine?

Solanine is naturally present in all potatoes, generally in the upper one-eighth of the skin. It is a colorless alkaloid with a bitter taste. 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.

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