Nutrition experts Are the green spots on the potatoes very toxic?

Potatoes: are green spots poisonous?
If potatoes are not stored dark, green spots are formed. Can these be eaten or should the potatoes be disposed of completely, or is it enough to cut out the green spots? Whether green spots hurt your health, answers Sabine Hülsmann, nutrition expert for consumer centers in Bavaria.

Potatoes are a healthy food. However, if they indicate green spots, these should not be eaten. They contain more solanine, a natural poison that protects the plant from predators. Solanine is caused by the influence of light, for example when potatoes are stored incorrectly or germinate.

Potatoes have been part of our staple foods for a long time. The tubers can be processed and prepared in many different ways. Green spots should not be eaten. (Image: dmitriygut / fotolia.com)

In small quantities it is also found in the shell. In humans, solanine in higher concentrations can cause discomfort such as scratching the throat, headache, diarrhea and vomiting and nausea. "Normally, the levels of solanine are too low to cause such reactions. Nevertheless, it is advisable to keep the solanine content as low as possible, "says nutrition expert Sabine Hülsmann.

Potatoes should therefore be stored in a dark and dry place and green spots and germs removed generously. It is also recommended not to eat the bowl as much as possible. Since Solanin is water-soluble and will not be destroyed by cooking, the boiling water of potatoes must not be used. (Sb)