In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “What happens if you eat expired instant mashed potatoes?” with an in-depth analysis of signs of bad potatoes and health problems caused by eating bad potatoes. Moreover, we are going to discuss the storage of potatoes and the healthiest ways to cook potatoes.
What happens if you eat expired instant mashed potatoes?
You shouldn’t use the instant mashed potatoes once their best-by date has been passed.
Because after that date the potatoes start spoiling and their smell, texture, and quality falls and may also cause poisoning.
What is the shelf life of the mashed potatoes?
The shelf life of the mashed potatoes depends on their method of storage.
If the mashed potatoes have been stored in the refrigerator, you can use them for up to a week.
However, if you have stored the mashed potatoes by freezing them, in this way they can last for 10-12 months.
However, if you have cooked the potatoes and kept them at room temperature after it, you should throw them away for your safety.
What are the signs of bad potatoes?
To know whether your uncooked potatoes have gone bad or know, you can do so easily by noticing the following signs;
- Dark spots on the skin
- Soft texture
- Molds on the surface
- Unpleasant smell
Cooked potatoes, when spoiled, may also have molds on the surface.
However, cooked potatoes may not have any noticeable sign even if they have gone bad.
What are the health problems caused by eating spoiled potatoes?
Cooked spoiled potatoes have a higher risk of health issues.
The pathogens and bacteria-induced by them can cause health problems such as;
- listeria
- salmonella
- botulism
- staphylococcal food poisoning
If you have a foodborne problem, you may experience problems such as;
- fever
- stomach cramps
- muscle aches
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
In severe conditions you may also face;
- Dehydration
- Death
Tol such severe health problems, never use cooked potatoes that are older than 4 days.
Or if you notice molds on the cooked potatoes, dispose of them quickly.
Mostly molds are grown in the form of dark, black, red or white spots.
How to properly store potatoes?
If potatoes are stored properly, their chances to last longer increases.
To properly store the potatoes follow the tips given below;
- Always store the raw potatoes in the open or on the counter. As exposure to direct heat or moisture can result in sprouting.
- Keep the potatoes in a dark, cool place such as in the pantry or cupboard.
- Don’t store uncooked potatoes in the airtight container as they restrict the entry of air to them.
- Don’t keep the fresh raw potatoes in the fridge or freezer.
- Keep potatoes away from the other types of produce. In this way, they will be less likely to be exposed to lene gas and will stay safe from sprouting.
- On the other hand, cooked potatoes should be stored in the fridge or the freezer.
- The storage temperature for the cooked potatoes in the fridge should be 4 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The cooked potatoes should be kept in the freezer below 8 degrees Celsius or zero Fahrenheit.
Are potatoes eyes poisoning?
If the eyes of the potatoes aren’t sprouting, they aren’t poisonous and can be eaten.
However, if the eyes of the potatoes are sprouting, the National Institutes of Health recommends that you should cut off the eyes and sprouts before eating the potatoes.
Potato stems, branches, leaves and fruits and green potatoes are toxic because they contain toxic compounds.
That’s why the national institute of health recommends not eating green potatoes or other toxic parts of the potatoes.
What are the healthiest ways to cook potatoes?
The healthiest ways to cook potatoes means the ways to cook in which we will get the maximum nutrients out of them.
Baking in the microwave is the best way to eat potatoes because only a few nutrients are lost.
Another way to cook potatoes healthy nutrients is also low in this case.
However, cooking peeled potatoes results in the loss of important nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and calcium in the water.
If you soak the potatoes, it will also result in the loss of nutrients.
When you cook potatoes try to eat their skin too, as the skin contains more nutrients in it that are beneficial for you.
Here are the best pothe recipes that you can make yourself and enjoy.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question “What happens if you eat expired instant mashed potatoes?” with an in-depth analysis of signs of bad potatoes and health problems caused by eating bad potatoes. Moreover, we discussed the storage of potatoes and the healthiest ways to cook potatoes.