Reheated potatoes: Safe to eat and surprisingly beneficial
Potatoes are a common staple on our plates. However, some people question if they are safe to eat after being reheated, for instance, the next day. You may have heard the claim, "reheated potatoes are poisonous." Sounds alarming? Don't worry – let's examine this topic more closely.
The primary concern with potatoes is solanine, a naturally occurring compound found in the green parts of the vegetable. However, there's no need to worry here because solanine does not form when reheating potatoes. If the potatoes are healthy, not green, and properly cooked, reheating them does not pose a danger. The real risk comes from poor storage conditions, such as leaving them in a warm place for many hours, which can foster the growth of harmful bacteria, like Clostridium botulinum.
How to safely reheat potatoes?
To ensure your potatoes remain safe for consumption the next day, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Avoid leaving them on the kitchen counter overnight! It's best to reheat them only once—using the oven, a skillet, or the microwave until they're hot in the centre. Repeated reheating can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
Are reheated potatoes healthier?
Many people don't realize that when cooked potatoes cool down, some of the starch converts into what's called resistant starch. Although harder to digest, this type of starch benefits the intestines—much like fibre, supporting healthy gut flora. Therefore, cold or reheated potatoes can be beneficial for our digestive system.
Enjoy reheated potatoes, but do so wisely
You can enjoy reheated potatoes as long as they are stored and reheated properly. They are neither poisonous nor dangerous; it's a culinary myth with little scientific basis. So, if you have leftover mashed or roasted potatoes from yesterday—reheat them, add a fried egg, some dill, and enjoy a delicious, quick meal without any guilt.
