Why a Green Tint on Your Potato Is a Warning Sign of Poison

The appearance of a green tint or small sprouts on a potato might seem like a minor cosmetic issue to many home cooks, but health experts warn that this physical change is a visual signal of a potentially dangerous chemical process. When potatoes are exposed to light or extreme temperatures, they begin a natural biological defense mechanism by producing chlorophyll and, more importantly, high concentrations of glycoalkaloids. While chlorophyll itself is harmless and provides the green color, its presence is a definitive marker that the potato has also produced solanine, a toxic compound that can cause significant distress to the human body if ingested in sufficient quantities.