You can tell if a potato is bad by observing its appearance, texture, and smell.
Here's a breakdown of signs for both uncooked and cooked potatoes:
Uncooked Potatoes
- Dark Spots on the Skin: While small bruises are often harmless, large, dark spots, especially if accompanied by other signs, indicate spoilage.
- Sprouts: Small sprouts are generally fine to cut off. However, extensive sprouting suggests the potato is nearing the end of its shelf life and may have a bitter taste.
- Soft or Mushy Texture: A firm potato is ideal. If it feels soft, squishy, or yields easily to pressure, it's likely rotten.
- Foul Odor: A fresh potato has a mild, earthy smell. A strong, unpleasant odor indicates spoilage.
- Green Skin: Green skin indicates the presence of solanine, a toxic compound. While small green patches can be cut away, discard the entire potato if it's extensively green.
Cooked Potatoes
- Mold: Visible mold growth is a clear sign the cooked potato has spoiled.
- Slimy Texture: A slimy or sticky texture is a sign of bacterial growth.
- Off Odor: A sour or otherwise unusual smell indicates spoilage.
- Taste: If the potato looks and smells normal, but tastes sour or off, don't eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Important Considerations:
- Storage: Proper potato storage significantly impacts their lifespan. Store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place.
- Early Detection: Regularly check your potatoes for signs of spoilage to prevent it from spreading to other potatoes in the storage area.
In summary, trust your senses when determining if a potato is bad. If you observe any of the signs mentioned above, it's best to discard the potato to avoid potential health risks.
