By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2more
Medically reviewed byDr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Apr 30, 2024
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Table of Contents
Key Highlights:
- Potatoes are packed with essential nutrients.
- The life of potatoes depends on storage and whether they’ve been cooked.
- Signs like visual cues, odour and texture changes can indicate potato spoilage.
- Eating spoiled potatoes poses health risks, including food poisoning and allergies.
- Storage techniques play a crucial role in extending potatoes’ lifespan.
- FAQs about potential threats and solutions related to potato storage are answered.
Introduction
Did you know there’s more to a potato than you think? They are not just tasty, but also rich in nutrients. Like all foods, potatoes have a shelf life. Wondering how long they stay fresh? Let’s dive in! We will discuss vital nutrients in potatoes, their lifespan under various conditions, and how to spot spoilage. We’ll also compare fresh and sprouted potatoes, look at health risks, and share some storage tips.
Did you know?
- Properly stored potatoes can maintain their quality and nutritional value for up to 10-12 months. source: usda.gov
- Potatoes that have turned green should not be consumed, as they can contain a toxic compound called solanine. source: usda.gov
- The shelf life of potatoes can be extended by storing them in a refrigerator. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- The use of sprout suppressants can increase the shelf life of potato tubers. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Essential Nutrients Found in Potatoes
Packed with key nutrients, potatoes support your body’s functions. Here’s what this food has to offer:
1. Proteins
Potatoes have proteins. What are the benefits? They’re good for muscle building, sharpening up your metabolism, and aiding your immune system.
2. Vitamins
Vitamins work like spark plugs for our body, and guess what? Potatoes are full of them! B vitamins help with energy while vitamin C is an antioxidant.
3. Carbohydrates
Another name for carbohydrates? Energy! Potatoes have them and they fuel our everyday tasks, workouts and much more.
4. Other Essential Minerals
There’s more to potatoes! They also contain vital minerals. These include potassium and iron which maintain cell fluid balance and transport oxygen, respectively.
How Long Do Potatoes Last?
One might wonder: How long can potatoes be stored? This depends on whether the potato is raw or cooked.
1. Raw Potatoes
Raw potatoes last for one to two weeks at room temp. However, in cooler storage like a pantry, they’re good for a few months.
2. Cooked Potatoes
In contrast, cooked potatoes remain good for four days in the fridge. If frozen, this extends to a year, but freezing can affect mashed potatoes’ taste.
3. Refrigerated Potatoes
Raw and cooked potatoes in the fridge last differently. While raw potatoes are not suggested for refrigeration, cooked ones can be stored for several days when fridged correctly.
Based on my experience, I have observed that potatoes are not only a starchy food but also a valuable source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They contain a significant amount of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and may help manage scurvy. Including potatoes in your diet in moderation can provide these essential nutrients and contribute to tasty and nutritious meals.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
Signs That Potatoes Have Gone Bad
How can you tell when to toss a potato? Let’s learn the signs:
1. Visual Cues
Bad potatoes have bruises, black marks, or other flaws. Other red flags are green streaks or mould blotches on cooked ones.
2. Mould
If there is any fuzz or dark spots in various colours that is mould, remove the potato having mould.
3. Odour
A musty or mouldy smell says the potato isn’t good. Even if it looks healthy, a foul odour might mean rotting or internal mould.
4. Texture Changes
If a potato turns soft or mushy, it’s spoiled. Changes in texture, particularly after cooking, could signal harmful bacteria growth.
5. Taste
Both raw and cooked potatoes gone bad taste bitter or unusually sweet.
Also Read: Can You Freeze Potatoes? A Science-Based Guide to Safe Food Storage
Whole Fresh Potatoes Vs. Sprouted Potatoes
The lifespan of fresh whole potatoes and sprouted ones differ.
How Long Do Fresh Whole Potatoes Last?
Fresh whole potatoes can keep for weeks to months if stored well.
Is it Safe to Eat Sprouted Potatoes?
Safe to eat sprouted potatoes? Depends on the sprout size. Small sprouts are typically safe after removal. Long sprouts host toxins that can cause health problems.
Removing Potato Sprouts
Small sprouted potatoes? You can eat them if you remove the sprouts. Don’t forget to remove any green parts!
In my experience, I have observed that potatoes are an affordable and rich source of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including heart health and nerve function. A medium-sized potato weighing around 5.3 ounces can provide you with approximately 620 milligrams of potassium, making it a valuable addition to your diet for maintaining a healthy potassium balance when coupled with other potassium sources.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
The Health Risks of Eating Spoiled Potatoes
Eating spoiled potatoes can pose health risks. Let’s look at the details:
1. Food-Poisoning
Spoiled cooked potatoes could cause food poisoning. They can host harmful bacteria resulting in uncomfortable tummy troubles.
2. Toxic Compounds
Sprouted potatoes can build up toxic compounds. These potentially cause nervous and stomach problems.
3. Allergies
Eat a rotten potato and you might trigger an allergic reaction. These can range from minor to severe.
4. Skin Problems
Rotten potatoes could even cause skin reactions. These could be itchy and inflamed.
Also Read: Unlocking The Health Benefits Of Purple Potatoes
Proper Ways to Store Potatoes
A few smart storage techniques can extend potatoes’ lifespan.
1. Suitable Environments
Raw potatoes do well in cool, dark, dry places like pantries.
2. Container and Storage Methods
Remember to store raw potatoes in open containers like boxes or bags with tiny holes. Avoid air-tight bags or pots.
3. Storage Tips for Longer Lifespan
Keep your potatoes apart from other fruits and veggies. This reduces exposure to gases that could speed up sprouting or rot.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, potatoes are nutritious food items enjoyed by many. Beyond being delectable and versatile, they have a decent lifespan if stored right. So, keep an eye out for the signs of bad potatoes and always stay cautious about health issues. Storing them well means they last longer. Consuming potatoes fresh is usually the healthiest way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you know if a potato has gone bad?
These signs tell a potato has gone bad: mould, green parts, sprouts, musty smell, softness or mushiness, and odd tastes.
Is it safe to eat potatoes that are a few months past their expiration date?
No, it’s not safe! Over time, old potatoes build up harmful bacteria and toxic elements that pose risks to your health.
At what point do potatoes go bad?
Potatoes have gone bad if they show visible signs such as mould, green parts, sprouts, soft or mushy texture, musty smell, or changed taste.
Can potatoes last six months?
Yes, they can! Freshly harvested potatoes can stay fresh for up to six months if kept in a good condition like cool, dark, dry places such as a root cellar or pantry.
References:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Potatoes and human health [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19960391
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Impact of potato processing on nutrients, phytochemicals, and human health [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26852789
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Starchy Carbohydrates in a Healthy Diet: The Role of the Humble Potato [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30441846
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Potato glycoalkaloids and metabolites: roles in the plant and in the diet [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17090106
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- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Growth of Staphylococcus aureus in Cooked Potato and Potato Salad–A One-Step Kinetic Analysis [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26539902
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- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Glycoalkaloid and calystegine levels in table potato cultivars subjected to wounding, light, and heat treatments [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23692427
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Dietary acrylamide: What happens during digestion [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28764038
- American Cancer Society. Acrylamide and Cancer Risk [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/acrylamide.html
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Foodborne pathogens – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6604998
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Maternal periconceptional consumption of sprouted potato and risks of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6262956
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