Tag: Potato toxin

When exposed to light, potatoes produce chlorophyll, which causes greening, and often also produces solanine, a toxic compound. This natural plant defense mechanism means that proper handling and preparation are crucial to ensure your potatoes are safe to eat.

Over 78 schoolboys experienced solanine poisoning in a 1979 incident after eating improperly stored potatoes. This serves as a stark reminder that yes, solanine is a glycoalkaloid, a class of naturally occurring toxins found in plants of the nightshade family.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), plants in the Solanaceae family, including potatoes, contain natural toxins called glycoalkaloids. This article explains what is the toxin found in potatoes, where it is concentrated, and how to safely handle them to minimize any health risks.