Reheated potatoes: Safe, healthy, and delicious if done right
Potatoes are a common staple on our plates. Many people wonder, however, if they are safe to eat after being reheated, such as the next day. Some claim, "reheated potatoes are poisonous." Sounds alarming? Don't worry—let's take a closer look at this.
The main concern with potatoes is solanine, a natural compound present in the green parts of the vegetable. But there’s nothing to fear here, because solanine does not form when reheating potatoes. If the potatoes are healthy, without green spots, and properly boiled, reheating them is not dangerous. The problem could arise from poor storage conditions—like leaving them in a warm place for many hours, which promotes the growth of bacteria, especially Clostridium botulinum.
How to safely reheat potatoes?
If you want the potatoes to be safe to eat the next day, store them in the refrigerator, in a closed container. Do not leave them on the kitchen counter overnight! It is 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 can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
Are reheated potatoes healthier?
Few people know that after cooling boiled potatoes, some of the starch converts into what's known as resistant starch. It's more difficult to digest, but it acts beneficially on the intestines—like fiber, supporting healthy gut flora. So, cold or reheated potatoes might actually be better for our digestive system.
Feel free to eat reheated potatoes, but do so wisely.
That’s why you can certainly eat reheated potatoes if they are stored and reheated properly. They are neither poisonous nor dangerous—it's just a culinary myth that doesn't have much to do with science. So, if you have leftover mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes, go ahead and reheat them. Add a fried egg, some dill, and enjoy a delicious, quick meal without any guilt.
