
Originally Posted by
CSAR
The green things are called "sprouts". They grow out of the potato (no "e" necessary) eyes as the potato (no "e" necessary) ages. As long as there's no green discoloration of the potato (no "e" necessary) skin, you can cut the sprouts off and enjoy your potato (no "e" necessary).
If there is any green discoloration, I wouldn't advise eating your potato (no "e" necessary), as it may be poisonous. Potatoes (plural form, "e" necessary) contain glycoalkaloids, which are toxic and located just under areas with green discoloration. Glycoalkaloids increase as the potato (no "e" necessary) ages and may cause headaches, diarrhea, cramps and in severe cases coma and death.