If you’re wondering how to tell if potatoes are bad, here’s how. Potatoes lose their color and turn paler. They’ll also start to have green spots. These are mild toxins caused by rotting.
Large green areas should be thrown away. Potatoes with large green spots have solanine, a toxin that’s harmful to humans. However, green spots shouldn’t cause you to throw out the entire potato. One can easily make sure whether these are rotten by checking images of bad potatoes.
In addition to a green tint, potatoes may be moldy or discolored. The appearance of mold on potatoes can be a symptom of improper storage. Small molds can be easily removed, but larger ones should be discarded.
When potatoes begin to smell foul, they become squishy. Another way to tell if potatoes are bad is to inspect them closely. Potatoes tend to lose their nutritional value when they are exposed to cold temperatures.
When potatoes are spotted, they should be discarded. They’re probably bad if you notice dark spots, sprouts, or wrinkly skin. In addition to discoloration and wrinkling skin, rotting potatoes smell awful.
The smell of rotten potatoes will also give clues as to whether they’re fit to eat. So, remember to avoid buying rotten potatoes and use them wisely.
If you want to know how to tell if potatoes are bad, continue reading this article.
Table of Contents
How to Tell If Potatoes Are Bad?
In this article, I’ll review the signs that a potato is rotten, including visible mold, black spots, unhealthy eyeballs, and a musty odor. If you notice any of these signs in your potato, you should avoid eating it. Eating a rotten potato is also dangerous, as it could lead to various serious health problems. However, there are also a few ways to spot a bad potato, so keep reading to learn how to tell if your potato is bad.
-
Black Spots
Bruises, blemishes, and black patches on potatoes are not normal and can indicate a potato that has gone bad. They can take days to form on potatoes, so they might not be visible during the grading process. During shipping and retail, potatoes are loaded and unloaded several times, leaving bruises. It is not easy to prevent these marks from appearing on your potatoes. Blemishes and black spots are the results of improper handling. They are not harmful, but they are a warning sign that a potato is bad. Potatoes with these marks tend to taste bitter, but they can still be eaten. So, if you want to avoid the bitter taste of a rotten potato, look for blemishes on potatoes.
-
Soft and Mushy
Potatoes have a firm and hard texture. So if you spot a potato with a soft and mushy texture, it might not be good. It is also a difficult potato to slice and leaks liquid. Its insides are undercooked. If these signs occur, it is time to throw them out and replace them with fresh ones. A soft, mushy potato is bad. It may smell rotten or moldy. If it is soft and has a black spot in the middle, it’s probably not a good potato. It would be best to look for a musty smell when the potato is raw. If the insides are green, it’s best to toss them.
-
Rotten or Musty Odor
The rotten or musty smell of a potato can signify that the tuber has begun to rot. Despite appearing fine on the outside, the smell of the potato will be distinct and foul. It will be hard to cut into and likely leak some liquid. Moreover, it will lose its shape and become soft. These symptoms will give you a red flag and make you want to discard the rotten potato as soon as possible.
-
Internal Blemishes
A potato that has internal blemishes is bad for several reasons. These dark spots occur due to peeling, bacterial infection, or insect bite. These spots will often be visible when the potato is cut open. Some of the most common causes of this problem include excessive moisture, poor water retention, and excessively high pH levels.
How to Keep Potatoes Fresher For Longer?
There are some tips and tricks that can keep potatoes fresher for longer. For best results, store them in cool, dark places. Avoid storing them in a fridge or freezer, as these extreme temperatures encourage fungus and bacteria growth. Instead, store them in a cooler location with proper ventilation. And don’t forget to keep them away from the light! Here are some easy steps to store potatoes.
First, store them in a dark place. Potatoes are sensitive to light, so they must be stored in a dark, well-ventilated cabinet. Don’t expose them to bright light, as the light will make them turn green and wilt. Also, avoid exposing your potatoes to moisture since it will promote bacteria growth and fungus. If you have to leave them out in the light, try placing them in a dark place.
After harvesting, keep your potatoes cool and dry. Store them between 50 and 60 degrees F. If you don’t have a pressure canner, you can buy quart-sized mason jars that hold about 20 pounds of potatoes. After that, cut the potatoes into half-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl of cold water. After three to five minutes, remove them from the water and drain the well.
Once they’ve been peeled, store them in a cool, dark, ventilated area. Avoid storing them in a refrigerator, as high temperatures cause potatoes to spoil faster. For best results, store them in a mesh bag or a basket. A cool, dark, and ventilated basement is ideal. Never put them in a refrigerator, as it converts potato starch into sugar.
Using proper storage methods for potatoes can prolong their life by four to six months. A cardboard box, paper bag, mesh bag, or a basket will keep them fresh longer. Stored potatoes at room temperature, cut in half, and stored in a dark, cool place, will be a great addition to your meal! But be careful; some potatoes will last longer than others. Hence, be sure to check your potatoes carefully and choose those that are perfectly ripe.
