Can You Eat Potatoes With Eyes?

Most people peel their potatoes before they cook them into baked potatoes, but did you know that you can also eat the skin of a potato? The potato is a fruit, and it has edible skin. It’s called “eyes” because they look like little black dots outside the potato. They are not poisonous or harmful to your health, so feel free to enjoy this delicious snack!

But the biggest question is:  can you eat potatoes with eyes? The answer is yes, you can! There are many ways to prepare these tasty treats. It also has health benefits as it contains potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and protein. 

What Are Potato Eyes

Potato eyes are the black spots you see on the outer surface of most potatoes. These spots are called eyes because they resemble little black dots. They are usually found in red-skinned potatoes such as Russets and Yukon Golds.

The term came from the French word for eyes, oeil de perdrix (eye of partridge). This refers to the shape of the eye spot, which resembles a small bird’s eye.

Why Do Eyes Form?

As potatoes grow underground, they develop a protective layer of cells around themselves. The cells begin to dry out and crack open when they come above ground. As the cell walls break down, enzymes leak into the cracks and cause the flesh to turn brownish-yellow.

This process is known as maturation. Mature potatoes have more nutrients than immature ones.

Moreover, when potatoes mature, they become sweeter and less starchy.

How Do Eyes Progress?

Potato eyes start to appear when the potato reaches maturity. They continue to form until the potato is harvested.

When the potato leaves the soil, its skin begins to dry and split. At this point, the eyes will be visible.

If you want to remove the eyes, just cut off the ends of the potato and then slice it lengthwise. Then, scoop out the eyes with a spoon.

You can use the eyes in salads, soups, casseroles, and baked goods. Some of the best ideas you can try with potato eyes are:

• Add them to mashed potatoes

• Use them in potato salad

• Make potato skins with eyes

• Bake them in a pan with butter and salt

• Stuff them inside ravioli

• Mix them with cheese and breadcrumbs

• Put them in sandwiches

• Use them in place of olives

• Use them as a garnish

Why Are They Called Eyes?

They are called eyes because they look like little round black dots on the surface of the potato.

Some say that the name comes from the French word for “partridge” – oeil de perriere. Others believe the name comes from a Germanic root meaning “to see.”

Are Potato Eyes Dangerous?

No, potato eyes are not dangerous or harmful at all. Although some people peel their potatoes before cooking them, you don’t need to do that if you’re eating the eyes.

The green potato skin is also high in potassium, natural toxins, and levels of glycoalkaloids, which makes it suitable for heart health. Potatoes are one of the few foods that contain enough potassium to help lower blood pressure.

Potatoes also contain Vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong and is suitable for human consumption.

However, if you accidentally swallow one, you should immediately consult a doctor.

How Do You Remove Sprouts?

When potato plants start to grow potato sprouts, they are still edible but taste different. To ensure you get rid of the sprouted potatoes, wash the potatoes well under running water.

Then, cut them in half and gently squeeze each side to dislodge any sprouts.

Finally, cut the sprouted halves into smaller pieces so that you can easily remove the sprouts.

How To Store Potatoes

Storing greenish potatoes shouldn’t be complex and complicated. You will need to keep them properly to stay fresh and tasty.

To store potatoes, first, wash them thoroughly. Then, please put them in a cool, dark area where they won’t freeze.

Don’t refrigerate potatoes unless they are used within two weeks. If you cook them longer than that, they may lose flavor and texture.

After storing them, you can either leave them whole or cut them up. However, never cook them right after you’ve reserved them.

Cooking potatoes destroys many of their nutrients. So, please wait until you plan to serve them.

Here are some other tips when storing potatoes:

• Don’t store potatoes in plastic bags. Plastic bags trap moisture and cause potatoes to spoil faster.

• Don’t store them near onions or garlic. These vegetables give off gases that can affect the quality of potatoes.

• Keep potatoes away from apples and pears. The gases given off by these fruits can cause potatoes to rot.

• Don’t let potatoes sit around too long. Once they turn yellow, they lose much of their nutritional value.

• Never store potatoes in the refrigerator. This causes them to dry out quickly. Unless you have made a dish of potatoes, you can keep them in containers and put them inside the freezer.

Conclusion

To conclude, potato eyes are not only delicious, but they are nutritious as well. It contains high potassium compared to other starchy vegetables.

So, remember to pick up those cute little eyes next time you buy potatoes!