Tag: Poisonous fruits

Over half of plant poisoning cases in Kerala, India, between 1989 and 1999 were attributed to the poisonous pong pong tree. This startling fact underscores a critical point: while many fruits are delicious and nutritious, it is a dangerous misconception that all fruits are meant to be eaten. The purpose of fruit in nature extends far beyond human consumption, encompassing clever strategies for seed dispersal and self-protection.

While most fruits are nutritious and delicious, some are entirely inedible or dangerous if prepared incorrectly. The misconception that all natural things are good for you is a myth, and it is important to be aware of the plants in nature that produce toxic compounds to protect themselves. So, is there a fruit you can't eat? Yes, and it's essential to know which ones.

Many common fruits in the *Prunus* family, such as cherries, apricots, and peaches, contain a natural compound called amygdalin in their pits that can turn into a form of cyanide when metabolized. The key to safe consumption lies in understanding which fruit pits have cyanide and how to properly handle them to avoid toxicity.