Is it safe to consume potatoes that have sprouted?

Digging through my pantry, I discovered potatoes with long sprouts. This prompted a question: are they still safe to eat?

Sprouts signal that the potato is producing natural toxins called glycoalkaloids, like solanine. These can cause nausea and headaches if consumed in high amounts.

Toxin levels increase as sprouts grow. The potato essentially becomes less edible over time.

You may still eat them with caution. Remove all sprouts and any green skin thoroughly, as these areas concentrate the toxins.

Immediately discard any potatoes that are soft, wrinkled, or smell bad. Do not take risks with these.

Proper storage prevents sprouting. Keep potatoes in a cool, dark place with good airflow. Crucially, store them away from onions.

For extensively sprouted but firm potatoes, consider planting them. This turns potential waste into a future harvest.

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