Tag: Potato eyes

According to the National Kidney Foundation, potatoes are a healthy and versatile vegetable, but what about the kind with 'legs'? The term 'potatoes with legs' is a whimsical way to describe sprouted potatoes, which can raise concerns about food safety and potential toxicity. These sprouts, or 'eyes,' are the plant's attempt to grow, and their presence indicates specific changes within the tuber that every cook should understand.

Did you know that potato sprouts, often called 'eyes,' contain concentrated amounts of natural toxins known as glycoalkaloids? The question, 'Should you eat the eye of a potato?', is more about risk assessment than a simple yes or no answer, with the safest approach often being removal.

According to Poison Control, potato sprouts, or "eyes," contain high concentrations of glycoalkaloids. The scientific consensus is that these sprouts should not be consumed. Understanding the risks associated with these growths is crucial for kitchen safety and preventing potential illness.

According to Poison Control, the highest concentrations of toxic glycoalkaloids in a potato are found in the leaves, flowers, green skin, and sprouts. This leads many to question if a potato with 'eyes'—the small, reddish-white bumps or sprouts—is still safe to consume after cutting them off. The answer is nuanced, depending on the potato's overall condition.