How to Tell If Potatoes Are Bad (5 Ways)

It’s always a shame when you go to make mashed potatoes for dinner only to find that your potatoes have gone bad. But how can you tell if the spuds in your pantry are still good enough to eat? Here are some tips and tricks on how to tell if potatoes are bad – so you don’t waste any of your precious taters!

What Happens If You Eat Bad Potatoes?

Eating bad potatoes is not recommended, as they can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Eating spoiled potatoes can also cause headaches, weakness, and confusion. In severe cases, food poisoning from spoiled potatoes can lead to serious complications such as dehydration or even death. Therefore, it is important to know how to tell if potatoes are bad before consuming them.

If you suspect that the potatoes have gone bad, it’s best to discard them right away. Even if they look and smell fine, invisible bacteria may be present that can cause food poisoning or other illnesses. It is best to err on the side of caution and throw out potatoes stored for longer than a few days to avoid potential health risks.

1.  Check for Sprouts

Sprouts on potatoes are a very significant feature. Not only do they indicate that the potatoes will soon expire, but they can also be potentially poisonous. While it’s true that the sprouts on a potato may be small, they can be quite harmful.

If you’re worried about how to tell someone that there are sprouts on potatoes, you’ll be happy to know there are ways to remove them. A good way is to use a vegetable peeler. It’s designed with sharp tools to remove sprouts from the potatoes.

A potato that’s rotting will have a mushy, pale surface, and it may also have moldy spots. A green tint may also be present, but it’s not a bad sign.

There are a few different ways to remove the sprouts from the potatoes, but it’s important to remember that they are still growing and will continue to do so. If you’re unsure whether the sprouts are bad, you can cut away some of the green spots.

2.  Dark Spots

Depending on the cause, black spots on potatoes can signify an infection or a bruise. It would help if you always treated your potatoes gently.

Bruises on potatoes are caused by bumping and rough handling. These bumps release enzymes that cause the darkening of the surface. These enzymes produce a dark pigment called melanin.

A bacterial infection or fungal infection can cause black spots on potatoes. These can also occur in the ground, so be sure to wash your potatoes thoroughly. You can also use vinegar or lemon juice to prevent this from happening.

Dark spots on potatoes can also be caused by freezing. Potatoes are best stored in cool temperatures. If your potato is stored in the refrigerator or freezer, it will absorb the cold and convert the starch into sugar.

3.  Wrinkly Skin

Fortunately, potatoes are generally safe to eat if they are kept in a cool storage area. However, potatoes can start to go bad over time. If you notice wrinkling, mushy spots, or a musty scent, it’s time to chuck them in the trash.

Examining the skin is a good way to tell if potatoesare bad. The skin on a potato will wrinkle when it dries out. If you notice a greenish color to the skin, the potato has been exposed to too much light. If it is firm to the touch, it’s safe to eat.

There are some other signs to look for when inspecting a potato. For example, if a potato is wrinkly, it’s more likely to be contaminated with bacteria. This is because bacteria can easily get into the soft flesh.

4.  Bitter Taste

During potato growth, glycoalkaloids are produced in the potato. Glycoalkaloids are toxic to humans and animals. They can be found in all parts of the potato plant, including the skin, the flesh, and the stem. They are found at lower levels in the fresh potato. But they are increased in postharvest storage and during sunlight exposure.

The glycoalkaloids in potatoes are mainly alpha-chaconine, which accounts for 95% of the total content. The alpha-chaconine content is highest in the flowers and sprouts of the potato and lowers in the flesh and tuber tissues.

In recent studies, it has been found that there is no correlation between potato glycoalkaloids and the bitterness of potatoes. The bitterness of potatoes is due to the presence of solanine, which can be found in all potato parts. Solanine causes a burning sensation in the mouth and throat and can cause indigestion, diarrhea, and hallucinations.

5.  Longevity

Keeping potatoes in your pantry or refrigerator can prolong their shelf life. In the right conditions, these starchy tubers can stay fresh for up to three months. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, improper storage can shorten their shelf life.

When storing potatoes, please keep them in a cool, dark place with lots of ventilation. This will keep the vegetables from shriveling and sprouting.

Potatoes are a source of vitamin B6, potassium, and copper. They also contain complex carbs, which are vital for energy. These carbs help to stave off hunger spikes.

The shelf life of potatoes depends on many factors. Temperature, cooking, and post-harvest processing are all factors that can shorten their lifespan.

Aside from being a great source of vitamins and minerals, potatoes are also rich in phytonutrients, which have antioxidant properties. These nutrients are essential for the health of the potato itself as well as the people who eat it.

How to Tell When Do Potatoes Go Bad in The Fridge?

Potatoes that have been stored in the fridge will usually keep for up to two weeks, though the shelf life can vary depending on how they are stored. If potatoes are kept in a cool, dark place and not exposed to any light or moisture, they can last even longer. However, it is important to check them regularly and discard any potatoes that start to show signs of spoilage.

Are Potatoes Good to Store in The Pantry?

It is not recommended to store potatoes in the pantry, as they are susceptible to spoilage due to the warm temperatures. Potatoes should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place for optimal storage. Potatoes can last up to two weeks in the pantry if stored properly. However, it is important to check them regularly and discard any potatoes that start to show signs of spoilage.

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