Why do Russians eat potatoes without the skin? ARSENIC

[pscotto at MTHOLYOKE.EDU]

There is a very good reason for not eating potatoes with their skins, 
especially potatoes that have been held in long-term storage in less 
than optimal conditions (like a home root cellar in your village or at 
your dacha).

Potatoes held under these conditions will develop a greenish cast in 
the skins and right underneath it.

That green is an arsenic compound.


Peter Scotto
Department of Russian
Mount Holyoke College



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