FOOD NEWS
Is It Safe To Eat Potatoes That Have Started Getting Wrinkly?
BY CATHERINE NYORANI
It's fairly common to find stored potatoes wrinkling or shriveling. If you're wondering if those potatoes are safe to eat, experts say it's better to err on the side of caution.
When stored for a long time in inappropriate conditions, such as in a warm place, potatoes begin to lose their moisture, and their skin becomes loose and wrinkly.
In warm conditions, they may also start to sprout. Wrinkling and sprouting are both visible signs of the development of solanine, a natural toxin produced by potatoes.
Solanine in small amounts doesn't usually affect humans, but its concentration can increase significantly in decaying or sprouting potatoes, which may cause solanine poisoning.
Its symptoms can range from gastrointestinal distress to more severe reactions, including heart and nervous system issues, depending on the amount ingested.