Wondering how to tell if potatoes are bad? Whether you're digging through your pantry or checking leftovers, spotting signs of spoilage can save you from an unpleasant meal.
Jump to:
- How to Tell If Potatoes Are Bad?
- What Do Fresh Raw Potatoes Look Like?
- Are Sprouted Potatoes Okay to Eat?
- Can You Eat Potato Sprouts?
- Why Are My Potatoes Green?
- Can I Eat a Green Potato?
- What Happens If You Eat Bad Potatoes?
- How to Tell If Red Potatoes Are Bad?
- How to Tell If Sweet Potatoes Are Bad?
- How to Tell If Russet Potatoes Are Bad?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Related Articles
- How to Tell if Potatoes are Bad
Maybe you've come across green potatoes, ones with sprouts, or even soft, moldy ones. While the mushy, mold-covered ones are an obvious toss, what about the ones that have started growing roots?
What if there are dark spots or they are smelly? I get it- you have a tasty green chile stew, chuck roast in the oven with potatoes, or some homemade french fries you want to cook up but are the potatoes still good?
How to Tell If Potatoes Are Bad?
The general rule for knowing if uncooked potatoes have spoiled include a soft/mushy texture, the potato has a bad smell, or there are dark spots on the skin.
What Do Fresh Raw Potatoes Look Like?
Raw potatoes should be blemish free, firm to the touch, and tight skin. They will smell earthy but not moldy.
Use fresh potatoes to make my tasty sour cream mashed potatoes with some homemade turkey gravy without drippings!
Are Sprouted Potatoes Okay to Eat?
Yes, if they are recently sprouted. No, if they have grown long.
If the potatoes have recently sprouted with very short sprouts, simply remove them and cook the potato as usual.
In order to grow, sprouts take nutrients and sugars from the potato, causing them to shrivel up. So, the longer the sprouts the fewer nutrients your potato has.
Can You Eat Potato Sprouts?
No. The sprouts contain high levels of toxic chemicals like solanine.
Why Are My Potatoes Green?
If potatoes aren’t stored properly and have been exposed to light then they will often turn green due to the production of chlorophyll.
If they are green this will also be an indicator of an increase of toxins, like solanine, in the potato. These toxins are typically concentrated in the sprouts, peel, or just beneath the peel.
Can I Eat a Green Potato?
Yes, but it’s best if you peel the potato since this will remove the majority of any built-up toxins. If the potato is bitter after peeling and cooking then it’s best to not eat it.
If only part of the potato is green you can cut that portion away, but if the entire potato is green it is best to not use it.
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Try whipping up some potato tacos to use up potatoes before they go bad!
What Happens If You Eat Bad Potatoes?
Bad potatoes contain high levels of solanine and can cause solanine poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, headache, and dizziness, among other things.
Mild solanine poisoning should only last around 24 hours- but definitely seek medical help if you need it!
According to Science Direct “consumption of up to 5 g of green potato per kg of body weight per day does not appear to cause acute illness.” So, if you do eat some you will probably be ok.
How to Tell If Red Potatoes Are Bad?
Red potatoes are bad if they are soft, mushy, smell moldy, and have shriveled or have long sprouts.
Red potatoes are great for crispy smashed potatoes!
How to Tell If Sweet Potatoes Are Bad?
I have an entire post dedicated to how to tell if sweet potatoes are bad. However, the short version is bad sweet potatoes typically start to turn soft/mushy and have discoloration throughout. Sprouting is also an indication of a sweet potato starting to go bad.
Sweet potatoes are so versatile- when fresh they can be used to make sweet potato cupcakes, sweet potato rolls, sweet potato pie, or a tasty savory sweet potato and eggs hash!
How to Tell If Russet Potatoes Are Bad?
Russet potatoes, like all other potatoes, are bad if they are soft, mushy, smell moldy, are shriveled/wrinkled, or have long sprouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, however, they may be harder for your body to digest. They are higher in vitamin C and starch, both of which are slightly diminished when a potato is cooked.
Raw sweet potatoes can be eaten, but some types of yams should not be eaten raw.
Dogs should not consume raw potatoes.
Raw potatoes will typically stay fresh for at room temperature for 1-2 weeks, or refrigerated for 2-3 months.
The type of potato (fingerling, russet, etc) will also affect how long the potatoes stay good.
Cooked potatoes typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. This is great for making things like my make-ahead mashed potatoes!
Store potatoes in a cool, dark, dry place. In order to prevent moisture which leads to spoiled potatoes, it’s best to keep them in an open bowl, or bag, which will allow airflow. Don’t store them in a sealed container or bag.
You will notice the bags potatoes come in when you buy 5-10 lbs are usually mesh or have holes in them. This is so they have airflow.
More Related Articles
If you like this helpful food article, make sure to check out how to tell if broccoli has gone bad, how to tell if buttermilk is bad, and how to roast green chile!
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How to Tell if Potatoes are Bad
Ingredients
- 1 potato
Instructions
- Rinse potatoes under water making sure to scrub away any dirt.
- Check for soft spots, dark spots, sprouts, or green color.
- If the potato has little sprouts remove them, then prep potato for your dish. If there is a little green cut that off. If the potato has long spouts, is soft, wrinkled, or has lots of dark spots get rid of it.
- Cook your good potatoes anyway you like and enjoy!
Laura Nielsen says
Thank you for this valuable and detailed information. Your recipes sound delicious.
Lisa says
You are very welcome!
Marion Howard says
l like the recipes but worry about my organic potatoes . They are not green though have a few small sprouts but they taste " not quite right" . I hate the waste but dont want to risk food poisoning . They nearly always seem like this from my organic veg supplier. The store bought ones taste fine ! How annoying !
Lisa says
Interesting! I've never had organic ones grown locally but if I get a chance I will try them and see if I notice a difference too. Have you asked the grower about it?
Patrina says
Thanks for sharing.To refrigerate or not to refrigerate seems to be debatable. Some say refrigeration causes starch to turn to sugar and gives the potatoes an unpleasant sweet taste. No matter how you choose to store them, happy eatin’ yall. 😋