**How Long Do Potatoes Last, and Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe to Eat?*
Potatoes are a versatile and long-lasting vegetable, but like all foods, they don’t stay fresh forever. Depending on how they’re stored, potatoes can last anywhere from a week to several months. Over time, you might notice sprouts growing from the potato’s "eyes.” While these sprouts may look unappealing, does that mean the potato is no longer edible? Here’s what you need to know about potato spoilage and whether sprouted potatoes are safe to eat.
### Are Sprouted Potatoes Safe to Eat?
Opinions on the safety of sprouted potatoes can vary, but there’s one point everyone agrees on: **do not eat the sprouts themselves**. Potatoes naturally contain compounds called glycoalkaloids, which are also found in other vegetables like eggplants and tomatoes. In small amounts, glycoalkaloids can have health benefits, such as antibiotic properties and potential cholesterol- and blood sugar-lowering effects. However, in larger quantities, these compounds can become toxic.
When potatoes sprout, their glycoalkaloid levels rise. Consuming sprouted potatoes can lead to symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea within a few hours to a day after eating. In more severe cases, high levels of glycoalkaloids can cause headaches, low blood pressure, fever, rapid pulse, and, in extreme cases, even death. Some studies also suggest that eating sprouted potatoes during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital disabilities in the child.
### Signs of High Glycoalkaloid Levels
If you’ve ever peeled a sprouted potato, you might have noticed green patches, damage, or a bitter taste. These are all indicators that the potato’s glycoalkaloid levels are higher than what’s considered safe. To reduce the risk of toxicity, it’s important to remove the sprouts, green areas, and any damaged parts of the potato. Peeling and frying the potatoes can also help lower glycoalkaloid levels. Potatoes with small, new sprouts are generally safer to eat than those with extensive sprouting.
### Should You Eat Sprouted Potatoes?
While removing the sprouts, green parts, and skin can reduce glycoalkaloid levels, it’s still unclear whether this completely eliminates the risk of toxicity. For this reason, most experts recommend discarding sprouted or green potatoes unless you’re in a situation where no other food is available. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming potatoes that show signs of spoilage.
In summary, while sprouted potatoes aren’t always unsafe, they do carry risks. Properly storing potatoes in a cool, dark place can help delay sprouting and extend their shelf life. If you do find sprouts, it’s best to remove them and any green areas, but when possible, opt for fresh, unsprouted potatoes to ensure safety and quality.