One of my friends says I should throw out potatoes if they have green on the skin or flesh. Is she right?
Maureen Bunch, Owasso, OK
No. If you simply cut away the green areas and any sprouts, your potatoes are safe to eat. The green is chlorophyll, which is harmless on its own — but it can signal the presence of solanine, a plant poison that can be toxic if consumed in very large doses (you'd have to eat more than a 10-pound bag of spuds). Exposure to lots of light is what brings on the green, so store your potatoes in a cool, dark place.