Tag: Inedible fruit

Historically, the 'doctrine of signatures' claimed that plants resembling human body parts could treat ailments for that body part. While this theory is a myth, it inspires many to wonder what type of fruit looks like a brain, and the most common answers are the Osage-orange and the walnut.

Despite its deceptive name, the large, bumpy Osage orange fruit is overwhelmingly deemed inedible for humans due to its unpalatable taste and tough, woody pulp. Though technically non-toxic, the fruit's thick, sticky, milky sap can cause skin irritation in some people.

The star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) is known for its sweet, juicy flesh and vibrant purple or green skin, but that outer layer contains a high concentration of sticky, bitter latex. This latex is the primary reason why you should never eat the skin of a star apple.

Despite its striking appearance and valuable fibers, the fruit of the silk floss tree (*Ceiba speciosa*) is listed as inedible by botanical gardens. While the silky floss within is used for stuffing, the fruit's pulp should never be consumed due to its inedible nature.

While the peculiar-looking, green, lumpy fruit resembling a brain is a common sight in some parts of the United States, it is not an edible delicacy for humans. The fruit, officially known as the Osage orange (*Maclura pomifera*), is largely considered unpalatable due to its bitter taste, tough texture, and sticky internal sap.