Reheated potatoes: Safe to eat, but follow storage tips
Potatoes are common on our plates. Many wonder if they can be eaten after being reheated the next day. Some say, "Reheated potatoes are poisonous." Sounds alarming? Don't worry—let's examine this more closely.
The most common concern related to potatoes is solanine, a natural compound found in the green parts of the vegetable. However, there's no need to worry because solanine does not form when reheating potatoes. If the potatoes are healthy, not green, and properly boiled, reheating them will not make them dangerous. The issue could rather be poor storage conditions, such as leaving them in a warm place for many hours, which promotes the growth of bacteria like Clostridium botulinum.
How to safely reheat potatoes?
To ensure that potatoes are safe to eat the next day, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Do not leave them on the kitchen counter overnight! It's best to reheat them only once—in the oven, on a pan, or in the microwave—until they are hot inside. Repeating this process multiple times encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.
Are reheated potatoes healthier?
Few people know that once boiled potatoes cool, some starch converts into resistant starch. This starch is more challenging to digest but benefits the intestines like fibre, supporting healthy gut flora. So, cold or reheated potatoes could be better for our digestive system.
Feel free to eat reheated potatoes, but do so wisely.
You can eat reheated potatoes if they're stored and reheated correctly. They aren’t poisonous or dangerous—that's a culinary myth without much scientific backing. If you have leftover mashed or roasted potatoes, reheat them, add a fried egg and some dill, and enjoy a quick, delicious meal without any guilt.
