Can You Eat Wrinkly Potatoes?

Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato leek soup, potato salad—as a side dish or a comforting main, potatoes fit neatly into nearly every meal of the day. But what happens if you go to the pantry, grab several potatoes, and notice they’re shriveled? Can you eat these wrinkly potatoes?

The answer isn’t positive. You’re going to want to scratch all your potato meal ideas or only use the ones that aren’t wrinkled because potatoes that are shriveled aren’t okay to eat.

Keep reading to learn from experts why shriveled, wrinkly potatoes aren’t safe to eat and the best way to store them so potatoes don’t wrinkle as quickly.

Are Shriveled Potatoes Safe To Eat?

No, shriveled or wrinkled potatoes should not be eaten. “Potatoes that have started to shrivel, wrinkle or soften and develop long sprouts are not safe to eat,” says Michael Handal, chef-instructor of Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). When potatoes begin to wrinkle, it’s a sign that they are breaking down.

“The shriveled or wrinkled appearance of a potato is a sign of decay,” explains Brian Bistrong, culinary director at The Park. “This causes the potato to feel mushy, lose its flavor, and even taste sour.”

Not only will the potato not taste very good, you could risk getting sick. Bistrong explains, “As with any vegetable or ingredient, consuming it rotten could make you sick or unwell.”

As potatoes begin to break down, a compound called solanine increases. “While potatoes, as a member of the nightshade family, normally contain some amount of solanine, the toxin increases when potatoes are exposed to light,” explains Handal. The skin of the potato may begin to turn green, which is chlorophyll, and this signifies there is increased solanine.

If you’re wondering what can happen if you consume too much solanine, Handal explains, “Solanine has a bitter taste, and when consumed in sufficient quantities, may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and possible paralysis.”

What’s The Best Way To Store Potatoes?

Properly storing potatoes will help minimize shriveling and keep them from going bad quickly. There are several things to consider when it comes to storing potatoes.

Keep Them Cool And Dry

“Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place, with a temperature around 50°F, with good air circulation,” explains Handal. “This will help to keep the potatoes firm and help prevent the formation of sprouts.”

You should also avoid sunlight, so don’t store them on countertops near light and other heat sources. Sunlight may cause them to turn green and shorten their shelf life, so it’s important to store them in the dark.

Do not wash potatoes before storing since the moisture can lead to decay. Only wash potatoes when you are ready to use them.

Store In A Ventilated Container

Store loose potatoes in a cardboard box, mesh bag, paper bag, or basket. If the potatoes you buy come in a plastic bag, make sure it has holes and don’t close it tightly to allow air to flow.

Keep Them Separate From Other Produce

You’ll also want to avoid placing onions near potatoes. “Potatoes should not be stored together with onions, as the gases from the onions may speed up potato sprouting,” Handal adds.

Don’t Store Potatoes In The Fridge

The temperature of a refrigerators is too cold and changes the chemistry of the potato. “Refrigerating raw potatoes is not recommended, as the natural sugar in the potatoes increases and gives the potatoes a sweet flavor when cooked,” says Handal.

Potatoes can also be exposed to moisture in the refrigerator, which can cause them to sprout.

How Long Do Potatoes Typically Last?

These root vegetables don’t have an extended shelf life and shouldn’t be left in the pantry for many months. “Not only do vegetables go bad the longer they’re stored, but they also lose nutritional content and flavor,” explains Bistrong. “I use my vegetables within days of purchasing, even if this means going to the market a couple of times a week.”

Shopping every few days for produce may not be convenient or even possible. “I understand not everyone is willing to do this, so it’s safe to say that a 5-pound bag of potatoes can last two to three weeks, if stored properly,” he says.

To avoid finding shriveled potatoes in your pantry, start with fresh, firm potatoes. Look for unblemished spuds with no cuts, bruises, or discoloration. They should feel firm and have smooth skin.

What To Do With Old Potatoes

If your potatoes start to wrinkle, shrivel, sprout, or go green, you simply don’t want to cook with them. They can be tossed into a compost bin, or you can cut off any sprouts and replant them in your garden. Plant the pieces a few inches deep with the sprout facing up. Otherwise, throw them in the trash to be safe.