Can You Plant Green Potatoes?

Introduction

Potatoes are a staple food in many countries around the world. The versatile vegetable can be boiled, baked, fried, mashed, and roasted. Potatoes come in different varieties, and the color can also vary from white, yellow, red, and purple. However, sometimes you may have come across green potatoes, and you may be wondering if you can plant them. This article explores whether green potatoes can be planted and what to do with them if you have them.

What are green potatoes?

Green potatoes result when potatoes are exposed to light for too long or stored in warm temperatures. The green color comes from a chemical called solanine, which is produced in the potato skin. Solanine is a natural toxin that can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, solanine poisoning can lead to confusion, hallucinations, and even death. Therefore, it's essential to avoid eating green potatoes.

Can you plant green potatoes?

The short answer is no; you cannot plant green potatoes. Green potatoes are not suitable for planting because they have high levels of solanine, which can kill the potato plant. Solanine acts as a natural pesticide to protect the potato from fungus and insect infestation. However, when you plant a green potato, the solanine level is too high for the potato plant to tolerate. The plant will not grow properly and may die. Therefore, it's crucial only to plant healthy potatoes to get a good crop.

What to do with green potatoes?

If you have green potatoes, don't throw them away. You can still use them, but you need to remove the green part first. Cut off any parts that have turned green and dispose of them. The remaining part of the potato will be safe to eat or cook with. However, it's essential to note that the potato may have a bitter taste due to the solanine. Therefore, you may want to use them in a recipe that has other strong flavors to mask the bitterness.

Conclusion

In summary, green potatoes should not be planted as they have high levels of solanine, which can kill the potato plant. However, you can still use green potatoes by removing the green parts and using them in recipes with strong flavors. It's crucial to store potatoes in a cool, dark place to avoid them turning green. If you notice any green parts, cut them off and use the remainder of the potato. Stay safe and enjoy your potatoes.