Hey Guys, some of the potatoes that we stored are getting soft and starting to sprout. I just want to know if there is anything unhealthy about cooking these up and eating them after they have started to turn soft. Thanks

-- Trendle Ellwood (trendlespin@msn.com), January 10, 2001

Answers

Wow, I sure hope not because we have done it for years. No matter how nicely I think I have them stored, they seem to lose their crispness for me about this time of year. Just don't eat the sprouts. From what I understand, they are poison.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 10, 2001.

Where are you, Trendle, my friend? Sprouts aren't good eating fare, but break them off and what's left is edible, but not much more than subsistence calories. However, planting those sprouted potatoes works very, very well. If you are in the DEEP south (say south of Clinton country) then you may be approaching planting time. If you are in the "north" then you can refrigerate them and plant when the weather warms. If you are truly in the "northern tier", place them in the freezer, and plant in the spring. Frozen potatoes will not germinate well, but some (I don't know how many, but probably 10 to 40 %) will. Good luck!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), January 10, 2001.

I put a ripe apple in with the buckets of potatoes I stored this year (someone's advice in earlier threads) and so far, no sprouts.

-- Julie Froelich (firefly1@nnex.net), January 10, 2001.

Thanks folks , man the things my mother forgot to teach me! well, Brad does that mean that its o.k. to eat the potatoes but they will make me fatter. I'm in southeast Ohio, the frige idea sounds good. hey you all are great!! Mmmm, they made pretty good mashed potatoes, guess I'll have to walk an extra lap this evening.!

-- Trendle (trendlespin@msn.com), January 10, 2001.

No Trendle, we can eat huge amounts and they won't make us fat!!! Don't I wish. I just never met a potato that I didn't like.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 10, 2001.

Au contraire! Trendle and Diane, I speak to you first, and lurkers second. Potatoes are actually a pretty low calorie treat. I like them best baked, and no matter the preparation method, I do not skin them, for therein lie many of the vitamins, minerals and other goodies. A baked potato makes a superb snack. With a little salt and pepper it is better, in my opinion, than chips! And if you avoid the fat of chips, and the butter, and the sour cream, then you have a tasty lo-cal snack. I love sour cream, and butter, and all the "bad" things, but potatoes on their own are great! Do you grow your own? I'd like to trade sources, ideas, methods, and tall stories with those of you who do. Enjoy! and GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), January 16, 2001.

I don't grow many potatoes, Brad; so I don't have any 'tater lore to swap, but I'm hoping you'll be willing to share some of those tall-tales with us anyway! You always make me giggle!

-- Polly (tigger@moultrie.com), January 16, 2001.

If you don't like the softness of the taters try soaking them in water before cooking. Like you would do with carrots or celery that had gone limp in the fridge.

When we've had some that are beyond the pale sprouts, I save these for the garden and plant them. I figure if I at least get back what I put in I've come out ahead because the new one are fresh.

-- heather (heathergorden@ hotmail.com), January 19, 2001.

Yes Brad, we grow our own. Some years successfully, some years not so. Should we have a tall tales potato thread???

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 19, 2001.

AHHH....those first new potatos,carefully excavated and steamed with some fresh garlic and butter. COME ON SPRING.......

-- Mona in OK (jascamp@ipa.net), January 19, 2001.