Potatoes are used in numerous recipes and are therefore one of the most popular side dishes in German cuisine. But even in spite of the daily use of vegetables, many people still make a serious mistake in the kitchen.
Potatoes with green or sprouting spots and external damage should never end up in the cooking pot, as this can lead to poisoning. That is why the potato was chosen as the poisonous plant of 2022.
Solanine is a natural ingredient in potatoes. It accumulates mainly in green, sprouting and damaged potatoes. If you ingest too much of it, it can lead to poisoning.
In order to absorb as little solanine as possible, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment gives consumers the following tips:
The following applies to the sprouts: If these are longer than one centimetre, then the potato is no longer edible. Solanine is also heat-resistant up to 240 degrees Celsius. Most of the solanine is in the skin, so small children in particular should not eat unpeeled potatoes.
Modern potato varieties have lower solanine levels than older varieties, about 3-7 milligrams per 100g in the skin. So be careful not to buy the older varieties.
In addition, larger potatoes are better suited because the skin-to-volume ratio is more favorable because there is far less solanine inside the potato. Severely damaged potatoes should be sorted out, as toxins are also produced there.
Always store potatoes in the dark, because the solanine content increases when exposed to light. Potatoes that have been peeled and cut should not simply be placed in the fridge, as solanine will then also form on the outside – instead, place them in a chilled bowl with a little vinegar. You can then eat the potatoes up to a maximum of 24 hours later.
What very few people know: if potato dishes are prepared at over 170 degrees Celsius, acrylamide is produced, which is classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic. When baking fries, it is better to set the oven to 170 degrees instead of 180, as recommended by almost all manufacturers.
If you have clear symptoms of poisoning, you should consult a doctor immediately. The symptoms include:
Although these phenomena are rather rare, they cannot be ruled out with increased consumption of solanine. Such poisoning can even be fatal.
