The most common symptom of bad potatoes is a smell. The smell is similar to that of mold or mildew. They also have sprouts. If you see these symptoms, then the potatoes you’re about to cook might be bad. If they smell like mold or mildew, you should throw them away.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Potatoes Are Bad
-
Sprouts Can Cause Serious Side Effects
Sprouts of potatoes contain a substance called glycoalkaloids, which is toxic to humans. This substance can lead to heart problems, nervous system problems, and even death. While it is possible to reduce the amount of glycoalkaloids in sprouted potatoes, it is still important to avoid eating these potatoes. Sprouts contain a much higher concentration of glycoalkaloids than leaves and tubers.
Solanine in potatoes has been linked with several serious side effects, including teratogenicity and non-Teratogenic defects (NTDs) and orofacial clefts (OFCs). Solanine is also associated with severe muscular kinking. However, the association between sprouted potato consumption and the risk of developing NTDs is not clear, so further studies are needed.
Glycoalkaloids are naturally occurring toxins in potatoes. High amounts of these toxins can cause serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These toxins are most concentrated in the skin, sprouts, and eyes of potatoes. In excess, these compounds can cause diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and fever.
To avoid sprouting, the best way to store your potatoes is in a cool, dry place. Also, try to store them away from onions, which can accelerate sprouting. This will make the potatoes healthier and less toxic. It is also important to keep the sprouts out of the eyes.
-
Sprouts Smell Like Mildew Or Mold
If you think you have a moldy sprout, the most important thing you can do is remove the moldy spots. If they’re small, you can rub them off, but larger areas need to be disposed of. Stored properly, potatoes will last for a long time. Store them in a cool, dark place that’s well-ventilated.
If potatoes have a sour or mildew smell, they are probably bad. While they may still be edible, they should not be consumed if they have this smell. The smell can be caused by the presence of harmful bacteria. The skin should be firm and smooth, but should not be wrinkled or soft. If the skin starts to peel away, toss it.
When potatoes are rotten, they will develop a pronounced moldy or mildew smell. Even if they look fine on the outside, they’re prone to this unpleasant odor. In addition to a sour smell, potatoes may also develop green spots. These spots may contain a mild toxin called solanine. If these spots are large, it’s probably time to toss them.
When potatoes are spoiled, they are often sprouted. They look like eyes on the potato, and they shouldn’t be eaten. If you find sprouts on a potato, remove them right away. They contain chaconine and solanine, which can be harmful to your health.
-
Have An Earthy Smell
Fresh potatoes have a distinct earthy odor that is reminiscent of other root vegetables. If the smell changes or the potatoes appear moldy or mushy, they should be thrown away. The smell of decaying potatoes is much more unpleasant, ranging from musty to harsh. The potatoes may still look perfectly fine on the outside, but they are completely rotten inside.
If you’re unsure whether a potato is rotten, you can smell it on its outer surface. If the potato looks okay, but is soft and mushy on the inside, it’s likely rotten. You can also look inside and see if there are any rotten or moldy spots. If the skin is wrinkly or cracked, the potato is bad. A smell that is reminiscent of sulfur can also be a warning sign that a potato is bad.
Potatoes can also have an earthy smell if they’re raw. This can occur if they’ve been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals. If they have sprouted, the potato contains a toxin called solanine. It’s best to toss a potato with a small green spot before eating it. Another warning sign of rottenness is a musty or rotten smell.
Another telltale sign of rotting potatoes is the presence of green sprouts. Green sprouts contain toxic glycoalkaloids that can negatively affect your health. You should throw away rotten potatoes immediately if you notice these signs. In addition, potatoes should not be washed before storage. Instead, they should be stored in dark, cool, and well-ventilated areas.
-
Have Sprouts
If you notice a sprout on your potato, you may not want to eat it. It’s important to remove it, s sprouts are potentially harmful and can lead to solanine poisoning. However, you can still eat potatoes with sprouts if you remove them with a paring knife.
Potatoes are susceptible to sprouting if they’ve been exposed to light for a prolonged period of time. This can lead to a green appearance on the potato. This is not necessarily a sign of bad potatoes, but it’s a warning sign. Potatoes that appear green will have a high concentration of solanine, a toxic compound. Solanine can lead to headaches, nausea, and neurological problems when eaten in large quantities.
Potatoes with sprouts are not harmful to eat if they’re firm to the touch and don’t have black or white spots. But if they’re wrinkled or have cuts or blemishes, you should throw them out.
Potatoes can last for weeks if stored properly. As long as they’re kept at an appropriate temperature, they’ll have a long shelf life and should not go bad. But it’s important to keep an eye on them, because they can develop bad bacteria very easily. A potato that’s mushy or soft may be bad.