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Lifestyle Desk – Potato is such a vegetable in the Indian kitchen, which is hardly used regularly in any household. From sabzi to parathas, samosas, tikkis and snacks, potatoes are an important part of many dishes. This is the reason why while buying potatoes from the market, people often bring them home in large quantities at once. But is it right to buy potatoes just by looking at their big size, clean peel and good color? Not necessary. Sometimes a potato that looks normal from outside may turn black, brown, rotten or spoiled from inside.

In such a situation, it is important to pay attention to some small signs while shopping. This not only avoids bringing spoiled potatoes home, but also improves the quality of the food. Let us know what things should be kept in mind while buying potatoes.

Be careful if it is very soft or pressed

While buying a potato, its firmness can be felt by pressing it lightly with your hand. If the potato is too soft, a depression is formed when pressed with a finger or it feels empty from inside, then it is better to avoid buying it. Excessive softness can often be a sign of prolonged storage, moisture, or the beginning of spoilage.

Shrunken surface also gives indication

The skin of fresh potatoes usually appears relatively tight. If the surface has shrunk significantly and the skin has become loose, this may be a sign that the potato has lost a lot of moisture and is old. The quality and taste of such potatoes may be inferior to fresh potatoes.

Do not ignore black or brown spots

The presence of small marks or soil on the potato is not in itself a proof that it is spoiled. But if a dark black, brown or wet stain is seen on any part, especially when that part is soft, then caution should be taken. When cutting a potato at home, if the inside appears abnormally black or brown with a putrid odor or a very soft texture, it is best not to use it.

Why not buy green potatoes?

If the peel of the potato appears green then you should avoid buying it, especially when the greenness is very high or the potatoes are also sprouting. The green color may be linked to increased levels of the natural compound solanine in potatoes. The taste of such potatoes may also seem bitter. It is sometimes recommended to remove only a small green part by cutting it off, but not using potatoes that are too green or bitter is a safer option.

Pay attention to sprouted potatoes also

If small sprouts have emerged on the potato, it is a sign of its age. Firm potatoes with very short sprouts can be used in some circumstances by removing the sprouts, but if the potatoes are shriveled, soft, green or even bitter, it is better to throw them away.

What should be the choice while buying?

To choose better potatoes, look for potatoes that are firm, dry, without rotting spots and with relatively smooth and tight skin. Avoid potatoes that are too soft, shriveled, wet, too green or smell rotten. These little signs are not difficult to recognize when buying potatoes. Next time before filling potatoes in the basket, not only check its size and color, but also check its firmness, skin, spots, greenness and sprouts. With a little care, better quality potatoes can be delivered to the home and food can also be prepared in a safer manner.