Have you ever wondered if you can cook and eat your potatoes with the skin on, or if it might be unhealthy? Is it worth the effort to peel every single potato thoroughly or can you save yourself the time? What exactly the skin of the potato and the plant substance solanine is all about, you can find out here.
Is it possible to cook potatoes with peel?
It is possible to cook potatoes with peel without any problems. This not only has the advantage that unpeeled potatoes have a stronger taste, but the potato also loses fewer vitamins and minerals during cooking. Small potatoes such as triplets can be eaten with the skin after cooking. With larger potatoes it is advisable to remove the skin after cooking, because this contains the plant substance glycoalkaloid, or also called solanine. This protects the potato plant from insects and fungi.
Can you eat potatoes with their skin on?
The consumption of potato peel may cause undesirable side effects due to the solanine content, which varies depending on the type of potato, and may cause serious health problems for young children. It is recommended to remove the potato peel before or after cooking. The solanine content of a potato is between 0.002% and 0.01%. Depending on the variety or storage condition, the amount and concentration of solanine may vary.
How dangerous is solanine to humans?
Solanine can cause the first symptoms of poisoning at a level of 40 mg/100 g of potatoes. These symptoms can be headaches or nausea and vomiting and usually occur between 3 to 20 hours after consumption. More severe poisoning with solanine can cause convulsions and visual disturbances. Particularly severe cases of solanine poisoning show signs of respiratory paralysis. Especially by eating unripe potatoes there is a risk of ingesting a not inconsiderable amount of solanine. It is therefore not advisable to eat green or unripe potatoes at all.
How to store potatoes properly?
To keep the solanine content in the potatoes as low as possible, you should store the potatoes optimally after purchase. Potatoes should be stored in a dark and dry place. A cellar usually offers optimal conditions. It is also important that the storage room is frost-free and above all dark, because light accelerates the ripening process of the potatoes. Under sunlight, potatoes begin to germinate. These sprouts have a significantly higher amount of solanine than a potato that is still unsprouted. Before eating, you can cut out smaller sprouts with a knife. However, if the germination process is too advanced, it is better not to eat the potato.
Can I continue to use potato cooking water?
When boiling potatoes, the plant substances such as solanine are transferred to the cooking water, so you should not reuse it. Instead, use fresh water to cook your vegetables, for example.
