Potatoes can be dangerous if they are consumed after expiration, or when they start turning green. At first, this is just chlorophyll in response to light exposure, but it is an indication that the toxic chemical solanine is present in the leaves, stem, or green part of the potato.
Potatoes can be dangerous if they are consumed after expiration, or when they start turning green.
At first, this is just chlorophyll in response to light exposure, but it is an indication that the toxic chemical solanine is present in the leaves, stem, or green part of the potato.
Consuming potatoes is the top cause of solanine poisoning in humans.
In one case from 1899, 56 German soldiers all experienced the symptoms of solanine poisoning, which can include diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, coma, and even death.
Solanine poisoning happens most often when there is a shortage of food.
Another extreme case of solanine poisoning broke out in the 1950s during a famine in North Korea, when people were forced to eat old rotten potatoes to keep from starving.
382 people were reportedly affected by the poisoning and out of those people, 52 went to the hospital and 22 of them died.
To avoid the build up of solanine in potatoes, it is recommended to keep them stored in a cool, dark place, and if they have sprouted, you should to cut off the skin and the green parts, or not to eat them at all
