Why do potatoes turn black after peeling? How can I store potatoes without them turning black after peeling?

Potatoes are a popular food. They are prepared in a variety of ways, taste good, and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Eating them in moderation is good for the body, so many people eat them regularly. So why do potatoes turn black after peeling? Let's take a closer look!

Why do potatoes turn black after peeling?

Potatoes contain a lot of starch. After the peeled potatoes are exposed to air, the starch on the skin will change quality and turn black. It is difficult to clean them with clean water. You can only peel off another layer of the skin before you can eat them.

How to store peeled potatoes without turning them black

If the peeled potatoes are not eaten immediately, use a scraper to scrape them into strips, then wash them with clean water. The potatoes contain a lot of starch, so soak them in a bowl with clean water and put them in the refrigerator. It is fine for 24 hours, but do not soak them for too long, as that will affect the taste of the potatoes.

Is it harmful if you don't peel the potatoes?

Potato peels contain a small amount of solanine. (If we eat potatoes containing a large amount of solanine, we will have gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. We may also have symptoms such as tinnitus, dizziness, and mild neurotoxicity. In severe cases, we may have convulsions, coma, breathing difficulties, and even death.)

Although the amount of solanine in potato peels is small, it is better to peel them when we cook potatoes. First of all, peeling can prevent eating solanine. Secondly, peeling potatoes can preserve the taste. Thirdly, peeling can ensure cleanliness and hygiene, because potatoes grow in the soil. If they are not cleaned properly, they will be eaten with the skin, which is definitely unhygienic.

However, it’s not a big deal if you occasionally eat potatoes without peeling them, but you must ensure that the potatoes are fresh and cannot turn green or go bad.

Tips for storing and selecting potatoes

1. Everyone should know that green and sprouted potatoes are not edible. Green and sprouted potatoes contain a lot of solanine, which produces a lot of toxins. Eating them will endanger your health. Try not to eat them. When buying them in the supermarket or market, choose potatoes with clean and smooth appearance and dry skin, which are suitable for storage time. Try not to choose green and sprouted potatoes.

2. If you do not eat the potatoes you bought from the supermarket on the same day, try to store them in a dry and ventilated place to avoid getting them wet. Try to eat them within two or three days to prevent them from turning green and changing quality due to being stored for too long.