A Sincere Warning: If You See These 5 Signs in Potatoes, Never Buy or Eat Them!
Buying potatoes with these 5 characteristics not only wastes your money but also harms your health.

Potatoes are often called the “queen of starch” thanks to their rich nutrition and versatility—they can be fried, sautéed, stewed, or mashed. But not all potatoes are good. If you spot potatoes with any of the following 5 signs at the market or supermarket, do not buy them. Eating these not only ruins the taste but can also pose serious health risks.

1. Sprouted potatoes

This is the most common problem when potatoes are stored for too long. Once sprouted, they contain high levels of solanine—a natural toxin that can cause nausea, headaches, digestive issues, and even poisoning if consumed in large amounts. Some people think cutting off the sprouts makes them safe, but in reality, the flesh around the sprout still contains toxins. The safest option is to discard sprouted potatoes entirely.

2. Green-skinned potatoes

When potatoes turn green, it means they’ve been exposed to light for too long. At this stage, solanine levels also rise. Besides the toxin, green potatoes taste bitter and lose their natural flavor. This sign is easy to detect with the naked eye—if you see green skin, avoid it immediately.

3. Soft and wrinkled potatoes

A good potato should feel firm, with smooth skin. If it becomes soft, wrinkled, or sunken, it means the potato has lost water and freshness. Eating this type results in a mealy, fibrous texture with poor flavor. Nutritional value also drops significantly. Many people buy them because they’re cheap, but they have little left to offer.

4. Potatoes with black spots or rot

If you see black spots, dents, or rotten patches on the potato, stay away. This indicates fungal or bacterial infection. Eating such potatoes may cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and intestinal issues. Some people think cutting off the damaged part is enough, but bacteria often spread throughout the whole potato, making it unsafe.

5. Potatoes with an unusual smell

Fresh potatoes usually have a mild, neutral smell. If they have a sour, foul, or unusual odor, it means they have spoiled and should not be used. These are often damaged during transport or storage and are no longer suitable for cooking.

How to Choose Fresh, Safe Potatoes

To avoid buying poor-quality potatoes, keep these tips in mind:

• Pick potatoes with bright yellow skin, smooth and free of cracks or holes.

• Choose round, medium-sized ones that feel firm and heavy; overly large potatoes often lack starch and are more fibrous.

• Avoid potatoes with sprouts, green skin, black spots, or unusual odors.

• If buying in bulk, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight to prevent sprouting.