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Do Potatoes Go Bad?

Sophia Al-Mansoor • • 7 min read
Do Potatoes Go Bad?

Whole fresh potatoes
If a potato has become soft or mushy, you should throw it out. Though it's normal for potatoes to smell earthy or nutty, a musty or moldy odor is a hallmark of spoilage. Sometimes, a potato might have a blemish or bad spot on the inside that you can't see from the outside.

Can you get sick from eating old potatoes?

Bad potatoes contain high levels of solanine and can cause solanine poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, headache, dizziness, among other things. Mild solanine poisoning should only last around 24 hours- but definitely seek medical help if you need it!

Do potatoes go bad when they sprout?

By Leah Brickley for Food Network Kitchen

The short answer is yes. Potatoes that have sprouted are still OK to eat, but only once you've removed the sprouts. Here's a guide on how to remove them, how to properly store potatoes and when it's not alright to eat them.

Sophia Al-Mansoor
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Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.