Tag: Unwashed berries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all foodborne illnesses in the US are caused by contaminated produce. With that in mind, is it okay to eat blackberries straight off the bush? Forgoing a wash can expose you to unseen hazards, making a cautious approach crucial for any forager.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all foodborne illnesses in the US are linked to contaminated produce. Many foragers wonder, is it okay to eat blackberries off the bush? While tempting, consuming wild blackberries directly from the plant without proper preparation carries significant health risks, including exposure to pesticides and pathogens.