The issue of storing potatoes in winter is extremely relevant. Including for health.
The fact is that wherever we keep the vegetable, be it a basement, a balcony or a refrigerator, some tubers begin to turn green.
They are the ones that pose a mortal danger, which is why experts categorically insist that they should not be eaten.
Response
Why do potatoes turn green? Experts say the reason is the tuber's reaction to light or heat shock.
This means that this happens when the vegetable is exposed to sunlight or artificial light, or if it is in a room where the temperature changes frequently.
The green color represents chlorophyll, which is not dangerous in itself, but it can be used to understand that the tuber may pose a threat.
Experts note that the normal state for a vegetable is to be in the ground at a depth of 10 to 15 centimeters.
He got used to the darkness, approximately the same humidity and temperature.
When it is brought to the surface, the vegetable experiences stress, which manifests itself in the adjustment of the ongoing biochemical processes.
As a result, alkaloids are formed, which pose a danger to humans to varying degrees.
Solanine
The most well-known of these substances formed in potatoes is the toxic solanine, which accumulates in the entire potato, although only part of the tuber may turn green.
If the tuber develops sprouts, then the greatest amount of solanine will be in them.
But if you remove the skin to a depth of 7 to 10 mm, then you can eat such potatoes. Although very carefully.
The fact is that the skin layer (7-10 mm) contains from 30% to 85% solanine.
If the peeled potato tastes bitter, it means that it contains more toxic compounds than the permissible limit.
That is, if there is bitterness, there is a high risk that health problems will arise after consuming such potatoes.
If one potato in the bag turns green, the rest are not dangerous. This means they can be peeled as usual.
Consequences of eating green potatoes
Boiling or frying green potatoes will not reduce the level of solanine they contain.
But if you do eat such potatoes, there may be dire consequences.
It all depends on the amount of root vegetable eaten and the person’s weight.
It has been calculated that 2 to 5 mg of solanine per 1 kg of human weight can cause toxic effects, while 5 to 10 mg per 1 kg can result in death.
If the same green tuber is consumed by a small child and an adult, the former may die.
For an adult, the consequences may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
