Can You Eat Sprouted Potatoes?

The first time I saw little sprouts emerging from my bag of potatoes, I had no idea what to do. Were they still safe to eat? Would they make me sick? I did what anyone would do—I called my dad, a farmer who has spent his life growing and harvesting potatoes. His answer, as it turns out, was a mix of yes and no.

What Happens When a Potato Sprouts?

Potatoes are living things, and when stored in the right conditions—cool, dark, and slightly humid—they eventually start to sprout. These sprouts, sometimes called “eyes,” are the potato’s way of trying to grow into a new plant. While the potato itself is still technically edible, the sprouting process changes its chemical composition.

Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe to Eat?

This is where things get tricky. As my dad explained, sprouted potatoes contain higher levels of solanine and chaconine, two naturally occurring toxins that can cause nausea, headaches, and digestive issues if consumed in large amounts. The longer the potato sprouts, the more these toxins accumulate, especially in the sprouts and the areas around them.

How Can You Safely Eat Sprouted Potatoes?

If your potatoes have just begun to sprout and are still firm to the touch, you can still eat them—just remove the sprouts and any green spots before cooking. My dad advised me to cut away about half an inch around each sprout to be extra safe. However, if the potato is wrinkled, soft, or has a strong, unpleasant smell, it’s best to toss it.

When Should You Throw Out Sprouted Potatoes?

A good rule of thumb: if the sprouts are longer than half an inch and the potato feels shriveled or mushy, it’s time to let it go. At that point, the toxins have likely spread deeper into the potato, making it unsafe to eat.

How Can You Prevent Potatoes from Sprouting?

To keep your potatoes fresher for longer, store them in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Avoid storing them near onions, which release gases that encourage sprouting. Some people swear by keeping an apple in their potato bin, as apples emit ethylene gas that may slow down sprouting.

Can You Grow Potatoes from Sprouted Potatoes?

One of the fascinating things about sprouted potatoes is that they can actually be used to grow new potatoes. When I first learned this, I was amazed at how nature can take something that would otherwise go to waste and turn it into something productive. To grow potatoes from sprouted ones, all you need to do is cut the potato into pieces, ensuring each piece has at least one sprout or “eye.” Then, plant the pieces in the soil with the sprouts facing up. Over time, these sprouted pieces will grow into new potato plants, yielding a harvest that’s just as good (if not better) than the original! It’s one of the most sustainable and rewarding ways to use those sprouted potatoes instead of throwing them out.

Final Thoughts

So, can you eat sprouted potatoes? It really depends on their condition. If they’re firm and the sprouts are small, you can usually enjoy them after trimming the sprouts. But if they’re soft or have large sprouts, it’s best to toss them. Have you ever cooked with sprouted potatoes? I’d love to hear about your experiences! And while you’re here, don’t miss out on our delicious potato recipes like the best roasted potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, and the ultimate potato salad. Check them out and get inspired for your next meal! Be sure to follow us on social media for more tasty ideas and kitchen tips!