Is It Safe To Eat An Idaho Potato Completely Raw?

"Oh, you're from Idaho? Like, Idaho potatoes?"

Yes, like Idaho potatoes.

It happens every time. You inform someone that you're from Idaho, and their mind instantly jumps to potatoes. Are there other things in Idaho worth talking about? Sure. Do outsiders ever bring them up? Nope. Only potatoes.

Fine. If Idaho is going to be known solely for our potatoes, we need to clear something up...

Is it safe to eat a raw Idaho potato?

Well, yes. But also, no. It's one of those.

Is it technically safe for you to munch on a raw potato? Kind of. Would we recommend it? Nope. Here's what Google AI has to say:

While eating raw potatoes is generally not recommended, it's not likely to be fatal in small amounts. However, it can lead to some unpleasant side effects due to the presence of certain compounds and potential contaminants. Here's why you should be cautious:
Solanine: Raw potatoes contain solanine, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large quantities or if the potato is green. Cooking significantly reduces solanine levels.
Lectins: Raw potatoes also contain lectins, a type of protein that can interfere with nutrient absorption and potentially cause digestive upset. Cooking can reduce lectin content by 50-60%.
Resistant Starch: Raw potatoes are high in resistant starch, which is difficult for the body to digest and can lead to gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. Cooking transforms this resistant starch into a more easily digestible form.
Contaminants: Raw potatoes carry a higher risk of harboring harmful bacteria or viruses on their surface, especially if not properly washed and peeled.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons you're probably better off cooking that spud before eating it. But, it's a free country, so you do to you, boo boo.

Did you know selling potatoes in Idaho could actually land you in jail?

It's true, y'all.