What happens on consuming sprouted potatoes? How you can store properly to prevent sprouting?
Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the world, rich in many essential nutrients. However, if potatoes sprout, consuming them can lead to serious health issues.
Sprouted potatoes are those in which sprouts or 'eyes' begin to grow, often due to prolonged storage. They may also turn green due to chlorophyll, which develops when they are exposed to light.
Health experts caution that sprouted potatoes are not safe to eat. They contain toxic compounds like solanine and chaconine, which can pose health risks.
Potatoes, which grow underground, have high moisture and starch content, making them prone to sprouting. When stored in warm and humid conditions, potatoes sprout quickly. Besides, exposure to light triggers chlorophyll formation and sprout development.
If potatoes are kept in an airtight environment, they ripen quickly and germination begins. Over time, potatoes naturally sprout as part of their growth process.
Nutritional Decline in Sprouted Potatoes
When potatoes sprout, they utilize their nutrients to support the growth of new sprouts, leading to a reduction in their nutritional value. While potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, this nutrient diminishes when they sprout.
During germination, the starch in potatoes converts to sugar, raising their glycemic index. The levels of other vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, vitamin B, fiber, and antioxidants, also decrease in sprouted potatoes.
Health Risks Associated with Eating Sprouted Potatoes
Experts warn that sprouted potatoes contain toxic glycoalkaloids, namely solanine and chaconine, which can be harmful. High levels of these toxins may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid eating sprouted potatoes.
Consuming sprouted potatoes increases the risk of food poisoning, and they can pose additional health risks for certain people. Diabetic patients, for instance, should completely avoid sprouted potatoes, as they can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels compared to fresh potatoes.
Other vulnerable groups include pregnant women, young children, the elderly, people with digestive issues, those with weakened immune systems, and people with allergies.
Proper Storage Techniques to Prevent Sprouting
To prevent potatoes from sprouting, store them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. Avoid refrigerating potatoes, as cold temperatures convert starch into sugar, altering their flavor.
Do not store potatoes near onions or moist vegetables. Instead, keep them in a mesh or paper bag to allow for airflow. Regularly check and remove any spoiled or sprouted potatoes to maintain freshness.
Prakash Kumar Pandey