Why do potatoes turn green? Should I peel away the green area before using?
• Potato tubers, like leaves, turn green after prolonged exposure to light. Appearance problems are associated directly with the green skin color which is due to chlorophyll biosynthesis. Eating concerns are due to the biosynthesis of glycoalkaloids, mainly “solanine”, that occurs at the same time as chlorophyll biosynthesis but is not directly related to it. Exposure of potato tubers to light in the field, in storage, on the store shelf, or at home will induce the formation of a green pigmentation near the surface of the potato. This is called “greening” and indicates the formation of chlorophyll. This process is completely safe and occurs in all plants. By itself, chlorophyll is not a health concern. It is harmless and tasteless. In potato tubers, the greening is a sign that there may be an increase in the presence of glycoalkaloids, especially the substance solanine. When the potato greens, solanine increases to potentially high levels. Increased solanine levels are responsible for
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- Why do potatoes turn green? Should I peel away the green area before using?
