Are potatoes with pink inside bad to eat?

Potatoes with pink flesh can be a sign of a few things, and not all of them are bad:

1. Anthocyanin Pigmentation: This is the most likely cause. Anthocyanin is a natural pigment found in many plants, including potatoes. It's what gives blueberries their color, for example. Some potato varieties, especially those with red or purple skin, may have some pinkness in the flesh due to high anthocyanin levels. This is perfectly safe to eat and may even indicate a higher concentration of antioxidants.

2. Chilling Injury: If potatoes are stored at temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for prolonged periods, they can develop a pink or reddish discoloration due to chilling injury. This doesn't necessarily mean the potato is bad, but it can affect its texture and flavor. It's best to eat these potatoes sooner rather than later.

3. Bacterial Blight: This is a serious condition that can affect potatoes, causing a pink or reddish discoloration. If you see dark brown or black areas alongside the pink, or if the potato has a slimy or foul odor, it's likely bacterial blight, and the potato should be discarded.

How to tell if a pink potato is safe:

* Smell: A healthy potato should have a mild, earthy aroma. If it has a foul smell, it's likely gone bad.

* Texture: A healthy potato should be firm. If it's soft or mushy, it might be spoiled.

* Color: If the pink discoloration is evenly distributed and accompanied by no other signs of spoilage, it's probably anthocyanin. If you see dark or discolored spots, discard the potato.

To be safe, it's best to:

* Avoid storing potatoes at temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

* Check your potatoes regularly for any signs of spoilage.

* If in doubt, throw it out.

In short, a pink potato isn't automatically bad, but it's always best to err on the side of caution.