Although potato plants need ample amounts of sunlight to produce edible tubers, they can also grow in partial shade. This type of shady environment offers protection from too much sunlight and improves the shape and set of tubers.
However, this method will reduce the crop’s yield as the plants do not receive as much light as they would under the full sun.
A gardener needs to plan carefully and know how much light and water he or she needs for the growing season. A good potato plant needs at least eight hours of sunlight daily.
It also needs well-drained soil with even water distribution. Usually, potato plants need about one inch of water a week. Potatoes are best grown in temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, although they can be grown in warmer regions.
If you have ever been left wondering, “Is a soft potato bad?” then read this article to discover the answer. Potatoes are one of the most common vegetables in the world. They come in wide different varieties and are extremely versatile and nutritious.
In addition, they are easy to store. Most people enjoy eating potatoes because they are so tasty. However, they should be stored properly, or they will spoil very quickly.
How Soft Can a Potato Get?
A soft potato is still edible, but the flavor and texture will be affected. It will smell unpleasant and may have mold spots on it. This happens due to improper storage, high humidity, or low temperatures.
You can cut off a small spot of mold to prevent the potato from becoming mushy, but any larger patches of mold should be discarded. When stored properly, potatoes have a long shelf life.
To make the most of these delicious tubers, keep them in the dark, cool place. Although a soft potato will not be as flavorful as a normal one, eating it has no problems.
Odor
When storing potatoes, you will have to check the odor and texture. Raw potatoes should feel firm, and the skin should not be wrinkled. They should also be free from blemishes and large bruises. The odor of the potato will become more intense as time passes.
A fresh potato has a unique earthy smell. If it smells musty or moldy, then it’s probably spoiled. It will be difficult to cut in half and will probably leak liquid. In some cases, the odor of a rotten potato may be overpowering.
A potato contaminated with this odor is likely to have a rotten taste. If you can’t tell for sure, you can test it with a fork or a toothpick. In addition, you can also use a spoon to see how soft or mushy it is.
The odor of a potato can be a great indicator of whether or not it’s fresh and edible. A fresh potato has an earthy, starchy scent. By contrast, a bad potato has a moldy or even foul smell.
It can also be wrinkly or have black spots or bruises. Bad potatoes are best discarded. Good potatoes are firm to the touch and have tight skin. A soft or wrinkly potato is probably rotten and should not be eaten.
Is a Soft Potato Bad?
If you have a mildly soft potato, it is perfectly safe to eat. Soft potatoes can still be cooked in many different ways. You can bake them, boil them, or even cook them with sprouts.
However, you should always keep in mind that potatoes are about 80 percent water, so any moisture that may be on the skin is normal. Even though the potatoes will be mushy and not as delicious as those with a crispy skin, you can still eat them.
If the problem persists, consult with your local Extension specialist or potato expert. The best treatment for potatoes combines horticultural practices and preventive measures. It is also important to avoid excessive irrigation, which can cause excessive vine growth and increase the risk of improper growth.
Even if you’re buying potatoes, you need to make sure that you are not purchasing softer and mushy potatoes. Although these potatoes can be eaten, they have an unpleasant smell and may be covered in mold.
In addition, they will not be of the highest quality. If you do find a potato that looks like it’s starting to turn mushy, throw it away. Instead, look for firm, wrinkle-free potatoes.
The smell of a potato can be a good indicator of whether it is good or bad. While fresh potatoes have a distinctive earthy smell, rotten potatoes can be a bitter, moldy smell.
Even if they appear fine on the outside, they should be discarded, as they might contain a mild toxin called solanine. Green spots on the peel are another sign of bad potatoes and should be discarded.
Potatoes need to be stored in a cool and dark place
To store potatoes, you should store them in a dark, cool place. Try to avoid storage boxes or plastic, as they will not allow the potatoes to breathe. Also, try to store them in paper or mesh bags. Besides, avoid storing them with onions, as these will encourage sprouting.
Potatoes are susceptible to bacteria, which can spoil them quickly. However, if properly stored, they should be edible for a long time. However, if the skin becomes loose, cracked, or wrinkled, it is best to discard it. Moreover, potatoes with mushy spots should not be consumed.
A kitchen pantry, basement, or unheated crawlspace are all great options for storing potatoes. The temperature in the storage area should be 38 degrees or below. It’s important to keep the potatoes out of direct light to avoid bacterial growth.
Before storing potatoes, it is important to separate them. Peeled potatoes should be used sooner rather than stored for longer periods. Avoid washing them, as this encourages greening and rotting.
Water also makes potatoes more prone to microbes. Just follow these guidelines, and you’ll have a successful storage experience.
Conclusion:
As long as the potato is not moldy, it is safe to eat. If you notice excessive amounts of green on your potatoes, throw them out. But if the green area is limited to a small area, remove it with a knife.
It is important to note that potatoes that have been exposed to light contain a pigment called solanine. This pigment is toxic in large amounts and forms near the surface of the potato. During prolonged exposure, solanine penetrates deeper into the potato.
Besides mushy potatoes, you should also avoid potatoes with green spots. These spots are signs that the potato is infected with a toxin. A small green spot can be removed and used, while a larger one should be discarded.
Similarly, a potato that is wrinkled or sprouting should be discarded. However, if the potato doesn’t have any of these symptoms, it is safe to eat.