Can you eat a budding potato?

* Solanine: Budding potatoes are likely to have higher levels of solanine, a toxic compound that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious health problems.

* Bitter Taste: The presence of solanine often gives the potato a bitter taste, making it unpleasant to eat.

* Potential for Spoilage: Budding indicates the potato is starting to sprout, which means it's breaking down and potentially losing nutrients and becoming less palatable.

What to do with budding potatoes:

* Discard them: The safest option is to throw away any potatoes that have visible buds.

* Use for non-food purposes: You can use them as compost, plant them to grow new potatoes, or use them as a natural insect repellent.

Remember: If you're unsure about a potato, it's always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.