6 Potato Myths People Actually Still Believe - Tasting Table

"Potatoes contain solanine and chaconine, two glycoalkaloids that are toxic when consumed in high quantities. Potato sprouts, along with the leaves, flowers, dents, and green skin, contain the highest concentrations of glycoalkaloids. A visible amount of green skin could indicate a surplus of glycoalkaloids, and therefore, a higher possibility of getting sick - but it could also just as easily be a sign of increased chlorophyll due to light exposure."

"Anyone who's spent time on a farm or that buys produce from the farmer's market knows that appearance isn't always the best indicator of freshness. Most people will pick a sprout-less potato over one with little nodules, even if both are perfectly edible. There is some truth to the myth that sprouted potatoes are toxic to consume, but there's more to the story."

"Potatoes have been an important part of the global diet since Indigenous South Americans introduced them to Spanish colonists centuries ago, who sailed them all the way back to Europe, where they gave rise to modern industrial agriculture. Today, there are over 4,000 potato varieties, and potatoes are the third-most important food crop in the world, per International Potato Center."

Potatoes have been part of the global diet since Indigenous South Americans introduced them to Spanish colonists, who carried them to Europe and helped shape modern industrial agriculture. There are over 4,000 potato varieties, and potatoes rank as the third-most important food crop worldwide. Many myths persist about potatoes, including claims that sprouted potatoes are toxic. Potatoes contain solanine and chaconine, glycoalkaloids that become toxic at high intake levels. The highest concentrations occur in sprouts and in green parts such as leaves, flowers, dents, and green skin. Visible greening can indicate higher glycoalkaloid levels, though it can also reflect chlorophyll from light exposure. Most domesticated potatoes contain low enough levels to be safe when green areas and sprouts are removed.

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