This is especially true for sweet potatoes. Since sweet potatoes have a high moisture content, when they go bad, they get mushy very quickly. [2] X Research source If the potato only has a small soft spot but the rest is firm, cut off the soft area before eating the rest.
You might also notice dark spots or sagging, both of which indicate the potato has gone bad.
As the potato sprouts, it pulls nutrients out from the potato itself. This means that eating a sprouted potato won’t be as nutritious as eating a fresh one. Cutting the sprouts off first is essential. Potato sprouts are mildly toxic, and can make you sick.
If the potato is bright green or green all over, don’t eat it. The solanine inside of the potato that causes the green color can be toxic in large quantities, and it doesn’t taste very good, either. [10] X Research source Never feed green potatoes to small children. Since they are smaller than adults, kids have a higher chance of developing a bad reaction to the solanine in the potato. [11] X Research source
If you cannot keep liquids down or you’re still having symptoms after more than 3 to 4 days, go to the doctor.
If your symptoms persist for longer than a few days or you can’t hold down liquids, contact your doctor.
If you’re storing raw cut potatoes, keep them in a bowl of cold water and put them in the fridge. Use your potatoes within 24 hours. [15] X Research source
Avoid storing your potatoes near onions or apples. Onions and apples emit ethylene gas, which can make a potato sprout faster. Don’t wash your potatoes before you store them, either. The excess moisture can make your potatoes go bad faster.
