Are Green Potatoes OK?

Question

Sometimes when peeling a potato, I find that areas of it are a bright shade of green. Does this mean that:
A) The potato is OK to eat?

B) The potato is OK to eat, as long as the green parts are removed and discarded?

C) The potato is not OK to eat (and if so, why not)?

score 17 · Accepted Answer · edited May 30 '11 at 18:57

17

This just means the potato has been exposed to light and has produced chlorophyll (the green color). It is most likely safe to eat, minus the green areas.

Producing the chlorophyll also produces solanine, which is toxic in large quantities. Remove the green parts and don't eat more than 4lbs.

For detailed information, see this link.

http://www.wisegeek.com/are-green-potatoes-poisonous.htm

edited May 30 '11 at 18:57

cmcculloh

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answered Jul 17 '10 at 04:21

Coltin

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I question the "perfectly" in "perfectly safe". – Pointy Jul 17 '10 at 12:12
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The 4lbs is for a healthy adult. Different values apply to small children, pregnant women and people with existing health problems. – user2215 Mar 25 '11 at 00:00

score 8 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:33

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The potato is OK to eat as long as the green parts are removed. They contain a toxin called solanine.

See this related question: Is it safe to eat potatoes that have sprouted?

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:33

Community

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answered Jul 17 '10 at 04:20

hobodave

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score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 17 '10 at 04:19

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As long as the core of the potato is "hard" I usually just remove the green part and cook as intended.

answered Jul 17 '10 at 04:19

jfrobishow

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Are Green Potatoes OK?

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