In No. Maine, where many potatoes are grown, stores are known to cover the potatoes with brown paper, and many potatoes are packaged in paper that does not let light through. The development of green on a potato is attributed to light.  Potatoes that sit on the shelf of the store with direct exposure to light will turn green.

When picking potatoes, you will find that ones which were not completely under the soil will be green where the potato was exposed.  When I moved out of potato country I was appalled at the amount of clear plastic bags and exposed potatoes in stores. Most of from one large producing state.  I won't say what state still hasn't caught a clue, but it doesn't start with M.  It starts with I for marketing at all cost. 

Very discouraging not to be able to find potatoes that haven't turned green from exposure. 

Every mom knows this. Or should. We never used potatoes once the green formed on the skin. My mom threw them away. Makes sense just not to buy more potatoes than you can consume in a few days. And if you grow them, just leave them in the ground until you need them.

Genetically modified anything causes cancer, but particularly so in potatoes, where in feeding studies, and on video, broadcast by CBS' 60 Minutes, at low ingestion levels, triggered the growth of 5,6,7,& 8 extra limbs, growing out of the head, neck, and torso of lab rats.

If GMO food and crops are so SAFE, as falsely claimed by Monsanto, and other Frankenfood promoters, let the CEO and all executives of those companies feed them to their own families, for a 10 year period, prior to being even qualified to apply for regulatory approval for any human food chain sale!

Jeez, people get their knickers in a twist over the oddest things. Must have been a slow news day in NYC.

Usually that green area will come off if you peel your potatoes. But  relax. Any remaining toxins are destroyed in cooking. Neither of the articles mentioned that.

Here's another article with more information and photos from the University of Nebraska
(may need to use the type size button on this web page):
Green Potatoes:  the Problem and the Solution

also, if the potatoes have sprouts, they belong in the ground, not in your gut.

Before eliminating nightshades from my diet, about 7 years ago, I had unbearable sciatic pain, and other nerve/joint pain as well. I read Dr. Childers' book about the nightshades, tried it, and since then, have had only gratitude for finding out about this little-known health principle. Dr. Childers is a plant scientist, formerly of Rutgers, who first studied the effects of nightshades on cattle, then extended his studies to humans.

The nightshade foods are:

- Regular potatoes (Sweet potatoes, yams, yucca and yautia are not nightshades - YUM!)

- Tomatoes.

- All peppers, including sweet and hot, and cayenne and PAPRIKA (Black and white pepper, like, from the shaker, are not nightshades)

- Eggplant

- Tobacco

Dr. Childers, as well as Dr. Carlton Fredricks, Dr. Sherry Rogers and many other heavy hitters in the health field, have long been proponents of at least a one-month trial of nightshade elimination for those in pain.

For anyone who's suffering from joint, muscle or nerve pain and/or stiffness, whose quality of life is diminished by these problems, the no-nightshades diet can be a godsend. Though it may not work for everyone, it certainly works for many. It's simple, safe, involves no doctors, supplements, drugs of any kind (though certainly some wisely-chosen supplements can be useful) and has brought intense relief to thousands.

Note: Before applying the no-nightshades diet, it's vital to understand it fully, which foods to avoid and learn about "hidden nightshades" in processed foods. There are recipes availabe, with delectable substitutions for the nightshades. You can eat delicious foods without nightshades. Soon, temporary feelings of deprivation give way to relief, gratitude and improved quality of life.

Dr. Childers' website is www.noarthritis.com. But I've long felt it should be renamed, as nightshades not only can cause/aggravate arthritis, but can affect the muscles, cardiovascular system and many other health functions.

We were always taught to cut the green out of the potatoes.  My mother said it was because the potatoes were sunburned and did not taste as good.

Mary

There are so many varieties and farms producing pototoes. I think they are all high in potassium which is essential. I wonder how much the potassium and starch/glycemic content varies by variety, ripeness, where grown, soil type, season, how well cooked, etc

I disagree that most people should avoid potatoes.  The key is to eat them with lots of butter, sour cream, or other saturated fat, which slows the release of sugar into your bloodstream.

People are all consumed with ease of snacks and there are not many places to grab a quick safe healthy snack when you are out working,recreation,traveling ect.I always make sure to bring fruits and granola and even dried fruits for the family to eat an munch on, it' so easy to pick up some humus or make some and maybe some falafel on save non trans fatty rice cakes. Not only healthy but you save money also not eating junk food. CHRISTIAN RYAN DO