Everyone needs to know this: potatoes can be poisonous if stored improperly.

The potato is in a natural state of dormancy when stored, which allows for a longer shelf life. However, this balance can easily be disrupted if stored near plants that release significant amounts of ethylene. Ethylene is a colorless, odorless natural gas that functions as a plant hormone and regulates the ripening processes. For example, if potatoes are stored next to tomatoes, the tubers will start to sprout much earlier and spoil faster due to the effect of ethylene gas, reported Sokszínű Vidék. Sprout formation is not just an aesthetic problem: during the process, toxic alkaloids can accumulate in the potato, which can be harmful to health if consumed in larger quantities. Ethylene production and sensitivity affect many vegetables and fruits. Significant ethylene emitters ...