Most of us have opened the pantry and found a potato with small white sprouts growing from it. The first instinct is usually simple — just cut the sprouts off and cook it anyway. After all, it’s still a potato, right? But what many people don’t realize is that sprouting can signal chemical changes inside the vegetable that may affect both taste and safety.

When potatoes begin to sprout, they start producing higher levels of natural compounds called glycoalkaloids, including solanine. These substances are part of the plant’s defense system. In small amounts, they aren’t typically harmful, but when levels rise — especially in green or heavily sprouted potatoes — they can cause unpleasant symptoms if consumed in large quantities. These may include nausea, stomach discomfort, or a bitter taste that signals something isn’t quite right.

The good news is that not every sprouted potato is automatically dangerous. If the potato is still firm, not green, and only has small sprouts, you can usually remove the sprouts and peel it deeply before cooking. However, if the potato feels soft, shriveled, has extensive green patches, or tastes bitter, it’s safer to throw it away. Cooking does not completely destroy high levels of solanine.

Proper storage can help prevent sprouting in the first place. Potatoes should be kept in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place — but not in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures can change their starch content and affect flavor. Avoid storing them near onions, which release gases that speed up sprouting.

The bottom line is simple: a small sprout isn’t automatically a crisis, but a heavily sprouted or green potato isn’t worth the risk. When in doubt, it’s better to replace it than gamble with your health. Sometimes the safest choice in the kitchen is also the simplest one.