|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

What Happens When Potatoes Get Green?

Mashed potatoes, twice baked potatoes, French fries, garlic potatoes -- the possibilities are endless. The potato has long been considered a comfort food in Western cuisine and the U.S. alone consumes 126 lbs. per capita every year. When a potato turns green, however, you might be better off eating pasta that night.

  1. The Cause of the Potato Turning Green

    • All potatoes have a naturally occurring toxic substance called solanine. The potatoes actually turn green due to the presence of chlorophyll, but solanine levels rise when the potato is exposed to light and the levels of chlorophyll begin to rise. The bitter, poisonous alkaloid is part of the plant's defense against predators, insects and disease. It also occurs in the stems and leaves of the potato plants, which should always be avoided.

    Effects of Eating a Green Potato

    • Though the toxin of solanine is relatively concentrated, it would take about 4 1/2 lbs. of fully green potatoes to exhibit any permanent neurological symptoms in a healthy adult. But the consumption of the solanine in the average serving of potatoes can cause vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea and headaches by interfering with the body's ability to use a specific chemical that assists in the transmission of impulses between cells. Children should never consume any amount of green potatoes.

    How to Avoid Your Potatoes Turning Green

    • Most bags of potatoes you get at the supermarket contain a few green potatoes. If the potato only has a small green spot, you can cut that spot off the potato and consume the rest without a problem. Otherwise, it is safer to just throw that potato away. To avoid your newly purchased potatoes from going green, store them in a cool, dark spot since the levels of solanine rise when the potato is exposed to light and warm temperatures.

    What to Do If You Ingest Green Potatoes

    • If you do accidentally ingest green potatoes and end up with a case of potato poisoning, do not attempt to vomit, which can make the effects of the toxin worse. Seek immediate help and call The National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Tell them your age, weight, when you ate the potato and how much you ate.

Nutrition - Related Articles