Here’s what to do if your potatoes have sprouted
You are not alone if you find yourself wondering about those rather unsightly sprouts that can appear on potatoes after they have sat uncooked for a period of time. One of the most common questions we get is can you eat sprouted potatoes safely?
Absolutely, you can, as long as they haven’t sat for too long. In fact, there is a simple technique for handling this situation: just pick off the sprouts and your potatoes should be good to go. Those sprouts are simply nature’s way of showing you the potatoes have “woken up” after exposure to warm temperatures.
The term “warm temperatures” is relative, since it really doesn’t take much to awaken potatoes. Even relatively cool temperatures in the 45-55 degrees F range are enough to encourage potatoes to begin showing sprouts. The good news is there is nothing inherently harmful about those sprouts. You just don’t want to eat them.
You may want to discard heavily sprouted or soft potatoes
The key to rescuing sprouted potatoes is using them before they get too old. You should remove small sprouts and cut out any green spots to retain the best taste. However, it is best to discard the potato to be on the safe side if it has a lot of sprouts, is soft to the touch, or has a bitter smell.
The green spots come from chlorophyll as a result of exposure to light. You can cut those out as long as they are small and have not penetrated deep into the flesh of the potato. The issue you want to avoid is the development of solanine under the skin of the potato. This is a natural toxin that tastes so bitter that it provides an immediate stop sign for your mouth.
Storing your potatoes in a cool, dark place is the best way to avoid the sprouting issue. This way you take away the temperature and light that wakes up your potatoes. Best to keep them “asleep” or eat them soon after bringing them home. That’s when these delicious potatoes will be at their best.
Take a few minutes to browse through the recipes tab on this site. You will see a large collection of recipes created to maximize your enjoyment of our delicious potatoes and onions.
About Farmer’s Promise
Farmer’s Promise farmers produce a wide range of potatoes and onions as a member of the Grimmway Produce family of brands. Check with your local grocer or visit Instacart.com for your nearest Farmer’s Promise grocery source.
