[Jome]

Hi there, just wanted to ask about my pots. They are second earlies so I should have probably eaten them by now, but I lifted most of them today, cooked up a batch and ate one, but after a couple of minutes, oh my a foul taste appeared in the back of my throat, like hairspray taste. I know not to eat green potatoes, but these were well buried and perfectly white. I googled it and found that they can have high levels of solanine and not be green! So glad I didn't give them to my baby. I also read that it can be due to a long period of warm weather, and I guess we've had that here in Kent. I suppose I'll have to dig them all up and chuck them? Any one else had this?

[aelf]

The amount of solanine can increase in the tubers if the plants have been stressed. Were the potatoes bitter when you eat them? that is an indicator of raised solanine levels. Also, peeling them can remove most of the solanine as it stored close to the skin. It's a shame, but if in doubt, I would say don't eat them. 

[goodegg]

you could save some for seed and plant them for Christmas thats the trouble leaveing them to long in the soil with the weather that weve had

[Goosegirl]

Crumbs - that's a new one on me ! We've had such a drought here that we were the first on a hosepipe ban - and it hasn't stopped raining since!! Haven't found that prob with ours (so far).

[Jome]

Yes they were VERY bitter! vile actually. I don't think peeling them would have helped much my mouth was almost burning for about 30 mins later. Yuck. Good idea about the seed potatoes though. Fortunately I have maincrop pots coming so not such a disaster.

[aec]

Just read the post and now I am worried.  This is my 3rd year growing potatoes.  This year I have 5 planters, 3 of which are ready for harvesting.  I usually lift enough to last 3-4 days and then pull some more.  Haven't had any green ones, as they are well below the top, and no problems so far.  How long should I leave them in the planters.  Should I be lifting the whole lot and storing them in the hessian sacks?  Just wondering now if I want to eat them as it has left me a bit scared to.

I was going to be planting the ones I got for Christmas harvesting, soon!

Being a novice gardener, would welcome some reassurance.   

[aelf]

aec - The good news is this will be a rare occurance  (poor Jome  ) It is likely that your potatoes will be fine - if you are still worried, test this by digging just one out, wash and boil it then taste a bit. If it is at all bitter, spit it out. Solanine won't kill you unless you ingest a lot of it - and a lot would be a plate full of green unpeeled boiled potatoes.

you had no problems with this in the past, you most likely have no problems now 

[Jome]

I would definitely go on the taste, you would know if it tasted like the ones I had. I think it would only be dangerous to small children to eat them. I defy anyone to plough through eating the ones I had! I think anyone that is concerned should just lift some any try them. Mine are in a very exposed dry area, although I did improve the soil with manure, it's my first year on the plot so the soil might not be as good as it could be in retaining moisture. It has been exceptionally dry and windy here, so I too think I've just been unlucky.

[aec]

Hi aelf and Jome.  Thanks for that, I've probably over-reacted.  I am sorry about your's Jome.  We have had mixed weather up here the past few weeks, but no drought where I am, and I have managed to keep them well watered.   I have had a couple for dinner and tasted okay.  Just waiting for other veg now.