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What Causes The Center Of Potatoes To Be Black And Can I Eat Them?

Today I cut open my potato and found that the middle was black. What cause this to happen and are they still consumable?

This is called “Hollow Heart” and is a common problem caused by alternating periods of slow and fast growth during the months after the potatoes are planted. It is very hard to detect in grading and sorting as there is no external indication of anything wrong with the potato. It is not a disease, while unappetizing, the affected area can be cut out and the potato consumed.

Read more at Gardening Know How - Potato Hollow Heart: What To Do For Hollow Heart Disease In Potatoes

The Idaho Potato Commission

Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous "Grown in Idaho®" seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

Contact 661 South Rivershore Lane
Suite 230
EAGLE, ID 83616
Phone: 208-334-2350
Fax: 208-334-2274
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What Causes The Center Of Potatoes To Be Black And Can I Eat Them?

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The Idaho Potato Commission