Can I eat the cut potatoes if they turn black?

Potatoes are a very common ingredient in our daily lives. The most common way to cook them is spicy and sour potato shreds. Of course, potatoes are also a very qualified side dish, but many times the surface turns black because they are cut for too long. This is caused by starch oxidation. If the potato itself is not black, it can be eaten, but although it can be eaten, its taste will be affected to a certain extent.

Can I still eat potatoes if they turn black?

The inside of potatoes turns black and produces toxins.

Generally, fresh potatoes contain a toxic substance called solanine, but the amount is very small and will not cause poisoning. However, unripe potatoes and potatoes with black circles or spots contain several times more solanine, and eating them can cause poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea, burning sensation, dizziness, and vomiting.

Potatoes with black circles inside cannot be eaten.

Generally, black circles, black spots, and black spots will appear inside potatoes after they are stored for a long time. This is actually potato ring rot. The potatoes looked normal on the outside, but were rotten on the inside. This type of potato is very watery, hard, and has a strange smell, so it is recommended that you discard it.

Can I eat the cut potatoes if they turn black?

1. Potatoes contain a substance called anthocyanin. After peeling the skin, they will oxidize with oxygen when exposed directly to the air and turn black.

2. Potato seeds contain an organic compound called tannic acid, which reacts with heavy metal knives or steel wool to produce tannic acid iron or tannate, causing the potato seeds to turn black.

3. After peeling the skin, wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator, or soak it in water and it can be stored for 1-2 days.

4. Put the peeled potatoes into water and add a few spoons of salt. This can effectively prevent the potatoes from turning black and extend their shelf life.

5. After peeling the potatoes, put them in water and add a few drops of vinegar. This can reduce the activity of enzymes in the potatoes and extend the shelf life.

It is normal for potatoes to oxidize and turn black after being cut, because there is a large amount of starch on their surface, which will make the color of the potatoes turn red and black in the air, but it will not cause harm to the human body. However, this kind of potatoes are easy to stick to the pan when fried, and the taste is not good.

People often soak cut potato slices and shredded potatoes in cold water or tap water to remove excess starch for cooking.

The efficacy and function of potatoes

1. Supplement nutrition and can be used as staple food

Potatoes are rich in vitamins and trace elements such as calcium and potassium. They are easy to digest and absorb and are rich in nutrients. It can provide a large amount of heat energy to the human body. People can maintain life and health only by relying on potatoes and whole milk. In European and American countries, especially North America, potatoes have long become the second staple food.

2. Nourishes the stomach, strengthens the spleen and eliminates dampness

Potatoes contain a large amount of starch, protein, B vitamins, vitamin C, etc., which can promote the digestive function of the spleen and stomach.

3. Relax the intestines and promote bowel movements

Potatoes contain a large amount of dietary fiber, which can relax the intestines and facilitate bowel movements, help the body excrete metabolic toxins in a timely manner, prevent constipation, and prevent the occurrence of intestinal diseases.

4. Reduce blood sugar and lipids, beautify and nourish the skin

Potatoes can provide the human body with a large amount of mucus protein which has special protective effects. It can promote the lubrication of the digestive tract, respiratory tract, joint cavity and serous cavity, prevent fat deposition in the cardiovascular and systemic areas, maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, and help prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Potatoes are also an alkaline vegetable, which is beneficial to the body's acid-base balance and neutralizes the acidic substances produced after metabolism in the body. It has certain beauty and anti-aging effects. People who often eat potatoes are healthy and age slowly.

5. Diuresis and swelling

The potassium contained in potatoes can replace sodium in the body and at the same time excrete sodium from the body, which is beneficial to the recovery of patients with hypertension and nephritis edema.

6. Weight loss

Potatoes are a rare food rich in dietary fiber and also contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Every 148 grams of potatoes produces only 100 calories, the actual starch content is less than 2%, and it contains only 0.1% fat, which can effectively control the total fat intake in people's daily diet.

7. Beauty and skin care

Potatoes are very good at caring for the skin and maintaining your appearance. Applying fresh potato juice directly to the face has a significant whitening effect. People's skin is easily sunburned and tanned in the hot summer. Potato juice is effective in removing spots and has no side effects. Potatoes also have a significant beautifying effect on the skin around the eyes. Slice cooked potatoes and place them on your eyes to reduce puffiness under the eyes. Cut potatoes into slices and apply them on your face, which has a good effect in beautifying the skin and reducing wrinkles. Young people have strong oil secretion on their skin and are often troubled by acne and pimples. Applying fresh potato juice to the affected area with cotton can solve this problem.

8. Prevent stroke

Eating an average of five to six potatoes a week can reduce the risk of stroke by 40% without any side effects.

9. Soothe the stomach and strengthen the spleen

Potatoes have the effects of harmonizing the stomach, regulating the middle, strengthening the spleen, and invigorating qi. They also have therapeutic effects on gastric ulcers, habitual constipation, hot coughs and skin eczema. The cellulose contained in potatoes is tender and has no irritating effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa. It has the effect of relieving pain or reducing gastric acid secretion. Regular consumption of potatoes has become an auxiliary therapy for preventing and treating gastric cancer.