Can You Eat Sprouted Potatoes? Here’s What You Need to Know

If a large portion of the potato is green, it’s safest to discard it.

How to Prevent Potatoes From Sprouting

Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your potatoes.

Store Them in a Cool, Dark Place

Ideal storage locations include:

A pantry
A cupboard
A basement storage area

Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Keep Potatoes Away From Onions

Onions release gases that can accelerate sprouting. Store them separately whenever possible.

Use Breathable Containers

Potatoes need airflow to stay fresh.

Good storage options include:

 

Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture and encourage spoilage.

Buy Only What You’ll Use

Buying in bulk may seem economical, but purchasing more potatoes than you can reasonably use often leads to waste.

Other Signs a Potato Has Gone Bad

Sprouting isn’t the only indication that a potato should be discarded.

Throw away potatoes that are:

Soft or Mushy

Fresh potatoes should feel firm and solid.

Deeply Wrinkled

Significant shriveling is a sign of age and moisture loss.

Moldy or Covered in Dark Spots

Mold growth, extensive bruising, or dark discoloration indicates spoilage.

Bad-Smelling

Fresh potatoes have a mild, earthy scent.

If a potato smells musty, moldy, or unpleasant, discard it immediately.

Final Thoughts

A few tiny sprouts don’t automatically mean a potato belongs in the trash.

If the potato is still firm and only lightly sprouted, removing the sprouts, eyes, and any green areas may make it safe to use.

However, heavily sprouted, soft, wrinkled, or significantly green potatoes should be discarded to avoid potential exposure to harmful toxins.

When it comes to questionable potatoes, a simple rule applies:

If you’re unsure, it’s better to replace the potato than risk getting sick.

Quick Rule of Thumb

✅ Firm potato + small sprouts = Usually salvageable after trimming

❌ Large sprouts + wrinkles + soft spots + extensive greening = Throw it away