6 Signs of Bad Potatoes – Don’t Buy Them No Matter How Cheap!

Potatoes are a kitchen staple, used in countless delicious dishes. However, not all potatoes are safe to eat. Sometimes, you might come across potatoes with warning signs indicating poor quality or potential health risks.

 

 

To avoid buying unsafe potatoes, be on the lookout for these 6 signs before adding them to your shopping cart.

1. Green Skin

If you notice a greenish tint on a potato’s skin, it’s a red flag. This discoloration occurs when potatoes are exposed to too much light, leading to the production of solanine, a natural toxin. Consuming high levels of solanine can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. To stay safe, avoid green potatoes entirely.

2. Sprouted Potatoes

Sprouting indicates that the potato is aging or improperly stored. The sprouts contain high amounts of solanine, making them unsafe to eat. While some people cut off the sprouts and still use the potato, frequent consumption of sprouted potatoes can negatively impact health. It’s best to skip sprouted potatoes when shopping.

3. Bruised or Cracked Skin

Dark spots, bruises, or deep cracks are signs of decay. These areas harbor bacteria and can quickly spoil the entire potato. If a potato has noticeable black spots or splits, it’s likely no longer fresh and should not be purchased.

4. Unpleasant Odor

Fresh potatoes have no strong smell, or they may have a slight earthy scent. If a potato smells sour, rotten, or moldy, it has likely gone bad due to bacterial contamination. A bad smell is a clear warning that the potato is no longer safe to eat.

5. Soft or Mushy Texture

A fresh potato should feel firm and solid. If it’s soft, mushy, or shriveled, it’s too old or has started rotting. Soft potatoes lose their taste and texture and may contain harmful bacteria. To ensure food safety, always choose firm, fresh potatoes.

6. Thick or Rough Skin

Potatoes with thick, rough, or scaly skin are often overripe or poorly stored. Some thick-skinned potatoes are hard to cook and peel, affecting the taste of your dish. For better texture and easier preparation, opt for potatoes with smooth, clean skin.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re shopping for potatoes, keep these 6 warning signs in mind. Only buy fresh, firm, and smooth-skinned potatoes that show no signs of green color, sprouting, bruises, bad smells, or mushy texture. This simple habit will help you prepare delicious, safe, and healthy meals for your family.