From mashing and pan-frying to roasting, red potatoes can make a very yummy and healthy treat. Its quality of being low in starch keeps its shape well when it is being cooked.
Now, there are lots of recipes to try!
But what if you are looking up one of those recipes and come across a potato with brown spots?
These spots might make you rethink your decision to pick it up.
Continue reading if you wanna find out the reason behind the brown spots or whether they are safe to eat.
Okay, now let’s not judge a book by its cover!
Brown Spots on Red Potatoes – What Is It, Safe to Eat?
Brown spots on potatoes are just bruises. These bruises are caused by the pressure applied to them. When a lot of potatoes are smooshed together in one place for a long time, it tends to bruise and leave a mark. Ah, fear not! These are just the marks, and it is safe to eat them.
On some occasions, the spots can mean something bad. Let’s keep reading to find out when.
Causes of the Bruising
The bruising is the result of not handling the product well. It can occur during the process of shipping, storing, or packaging. Not only that, it can even happen as early as the process of harvesting takes off.
When the potatoes are on top of each other, piled up, and stacked together, it can cause bruises because of the pressure on the cell walls and damaging it.
The Result of Bruising
I understand how seeing those brown spots can make one feel alerted and confused about its causes. It can make you concerned about the health of the potato or whether it is safe to eat or not.
To understand that, you must first know what happens when it is bruised.
The pressure of the weight against each other can rupture the cell walls. This rupture results in letting out the chemical compound (phenols).
This phenomenon results in the formation of melanin (a dark brown pigment) when the chemical is oxidized with the help of an enzyme.
An interesting fact about this discoloration is that it happens after 24-48 hours of bruising.
It Is Not Necessary To Cut the Dark Spots Off, But…
Although, the brown spots from bruising are totally okay to consuming the potato. Yet, sometimes the bruised areas can taste a bit foul and bitter due to the release of a few chemical compounds as a result of the bruising.
Even though it is safe to consume, if you still do not like its look and it makes you icky in any way, you can completely cut those small pieces out and enjoy your cooking without those brown spots.
And I recommend you cut those into little pieces, so it does not mess with the taste of the dish.
Selecting the Healthy Potatoes for Your Meal
If you don’t like any dark spots on your potatoes, there is a way for you to select the perfect ones without cutting them open at the store.
The brown spots on the inside can be identified by the appearance of the potato from the outside.
Usually, when the potato has dark spots on the outside, it could mean that it might have a spot on the inside as well.
So, the next time when you go to the store to buy potatoes for the delicious meal you have in mind, make sure to hand-pick each potato individually.
When selecting, try to make sure there are not any blemishes on the skin of the potato. Also, make sure that the potatoes are firm.
An extra tip from my side, try to smell the potatoes you are buying to make sure they are healthy and fresh.
Tips to Avoid the Bruising
You might not be there when the potatoes are being harvested. But, what you can do is be careful with it from the moment you get it in the store, to when you are cooking it.
When you are in the store buying it, make sure that you hand pick them instead of them being poured altogether into your cart.
After you are done with the selection, make sure that you store it well once you are home. But, be gentle for the best taste results.
Conclusion to Brown Spots On Red Potatoes
Ultimately, the brown spots are not to be feared. They are just caused by the bruising of the potatoes because of the issues with storing. Hence, they are safe to eat.
Although, the brown spots might trigger some chemical compounds that make it taste a bit bitter. But, there’s an easy solution to that. You can cut off those brown bits and continue with the dish you are making.
And don’t worry about the bruising. It can be avoided easily by using a few easy tips.
Frequently Asked Questions to Brown Spots On Red Potatoes
How Do You Know If Red Potatoes Are Rotten?
The offensive smell, mushy appearance, and dark spots all over suggest that the potatoes are rotten.
What Happens If You Eat a Rotten Red Potato?
If you consume it, it causes solanine poisoning because of the high levels of solanine in the lousy potato. The symptoms may include dizziness, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, and stomach cramps, among many others.
How Do You Keep the Cut Potatoes From Getting Brown?
There are many effective methods to keep the potatoes from getting brown. Although, one of the most popular ways is to place it in a bowl of water to prevent it from turning brown.
How Should Potatoes Be Stored?
Potatoes should be kept in a net or open basket. There should not be any light exposure, which can make the skin rot. Moreover, they should be stored in dark and dry places to keep them healthy.
Should Potatoes Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
Potatoes should not be kept in the refrigerator. The sugar level increases when they are stored in the fridge.