If stored poorly, potatoes can become toxic and harmful to our body. Let's find out how to store them correctly.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousPotatoes, if stored incorrectly, can become toxic and harmful to our body. Let's find out how to store them correctly.
Le potatoes they are among the most loved and used vegetables in the kitchen, also because they lend themselves to various preparations, from first courses to tasty second courses.
But what is the correct way to store them? There are several theories on this subject, more or less truthful, but to consume them safely it is good to know how to store them correctly. The reason is the solanine concentration, which is a harmful and potentially carcinogenic substance, found for example in sprouted potatoes and in the skin of these tubers.
Index
How to store potatoes
The best way to preserve the potatoes is to store them in a cool, dark and dry place. For example, in a burlap sack or a net that allows air to pass through. You can also keep them in a wooden box, covering the potatoes with newspaper.
They should not be kept in the fridge (too cold) and not even in airtight containers.
Divide the potatoes according to their state (separate the most damaged ones and eat them first).
Do not wash them before storing them and, once cut, consume them as soon as possible.
Read: Can cooked potatoes be refrigerated or are they toxic?
How to eat potatoes safely
- Old, dried, green or very germinating potatoes, as well as potato peels generally used as a snack, are not suitable for consumption.
- The green parts and so-called "eyes" of the potatoes should be generously removed before cooking and subsequent consumption.
- If you also want to eat the peel together with the potato, it is best to use only fresh and undamaged potatoes.
- Potato and potato dishes should not be eaten if they have a bitter taste.
- Young children should not eat unpeeled, sprouted potatoes.
- Never reuse the water in which the potatoes were boiled.
- The frying fat for potato products must be replaced regularly. (Read also: Can cooked potatoes be refrigerated or are they toxic?)
Why potatoes can become harmful
I glycoalkaloids they are natural ingredients found in some plants, such as potatoes. They are found in higher percentages especially in green potatoes, in sprouted and damaged ones, and also in the skin.
In particular they are α-solanine and α-caconine, the dominant glycoalkaloid derivatives, toxic and harmful substances for humans. In fact, these are substances that, if accumulated in our body, can be harmful and cause various ailments such as:
- vomiting
- dizziness
- intestinal pains
- Diarrhea
- nausea
- temperature.
A severe intoxicationmoreover, it can cause:
- loss of consciousness
- brain function disorders
- breathing difficulties
- problems with the cardiovascular system.
Some cases of fatal poisonings, but no deaths from glycoalkaloid poisoning have been reported in the past 50 years. In addition, only a few cases of poisoning have been reported and documented overall in the past 100 years.
These toxic substances for humans, however, serve the plant for defend and keep away parasites and germs.
(Read also: Potatoes, instructions for use. When it is best not to eat them)
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Photos: Bfr
On potatoes could it be interesting for you:
- Potatoes with cadmium and too much solanine. The results of a Swiss test
- Green and sprouted potatoes: here's why not to eat them. The BfR warns about the risks
- High Blood Pressure: Potatoes may be more effective than supplements, but only if you cook them that way
- Potato skins, never in the dustbin again! The anti-waste recipe of chickpea curry and chips
- Purple potatoes: the fantastic properties, uses and recipes for cooking the "health-saving" tuber
