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by **Paul** Tue 21 May 2024, 5:23 pm

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Did You Know This Fruit is Poisonous if Eaten Unripened?

DICTIONARY SCOOP *Did You Know This Fruit is Poisonous if Eaten Unripened? * UsdNKqRR

DICTIONARY SCOOP *Did You Know This Fruit is Poisonous if Eaten Unripened? * UsdNKqRR

Credit: Austin Ban

Sometimes, the most enticing fruit is the most dangerous. But humans love to gamble at the edge of the abyss, and food is no exception. Despite the risks, we continue to indulge in some of these toxic treats.
From exotic delicacies to ordinary dishes, these 10 foods come with a hidden danger, yet we cannot resist them.

1

Fugu

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Credit: Vlad Tchompalov

Fugu, a Japanese delicacy, is a species of pufferfish that contains tetrodotoxin, a deadly neurotoxin. Improper preparation can lead to paralysis or even death, so most specialized restaurants that serve this dish are heavily regulated and chefs are required to have three or more years of rigorous training. Despite this, fugu is considered a prized seafood delicacy in Japan and in international cuisine.

2

Ackee Fruit

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Credit: Elite Inception Co

Common in Caribbean cuisine, the unripened ackee fruit contains hypoglycin, a type of toxin that can induce a dangerous syndrome known as the Jamaican Vomiting Sickness. However, when ripe and prepared correctly, ackee offers a unique buttery taste and important nutritional value . The ackee belongs to the same botanical family as the lychee, which can also contain minor quantities of the toxin when unripened.

3

Cassava

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Credit: Loren Biser

Known by many names, cassava is a staple in South American cuisine, despite containing relatively high levels of cyanide. When eaten raw, or improperly processed, cassava can induce severe poisoning, but for most varieties, cooking is enough to get rid of the toxins. Despite its dangers, the starchy tuber remains a dietary mainstay in tropical regions, providing sustenance for millions.

4

Rhubarb

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Credit: Maximilian Zahn

Rhubarb stalks are a beloved ingredient in pies and desserts, but their leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to humans and can lead to the formation of kidney stones or even kidney failure in acute cases. Despite warnings, some mistakenly incorporate them into dishes, likely due to their similarity to spinach leaves , risking severe illness.

5

Elderberries

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Credit: Pawel Czerwinski

Elderberries are often used as medicinal plants as well as in jams and wines, but the raw berries (and most parts of the plant) are poisonous. The elderberry plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, substances that can release cyanide when unprocessed. However, it is very easy to get rid of the dangerous toxin , and elderberries have many nutritional benefits, being a great source of both antioxidants and vitamin C.

6

Castor Beans

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Credit: CDC

The source of deadly ricin, a potent toxin, the seeds of the castor bean are highly toxic if ingested raw. The Guinness World Records even recognizes the castor bean as the world's most poisonous common plant . Despite their danger, they find use in traditional medicines and some cuisines, but their lethal potential demands careful handling and processing.

7

Nutmeg

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Credit: Hardingferrent

In large doses, nutmeg contains myristicin , which can induce hallucinations, nausea, and even convulsions. Despite its latent toxicity, nutmeg is a popular spice in both sweet and savory dishes , albeit it is hardly dangerous in flavoring amounts. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming nutmeg if possible due to its potential to induce premature labor and miscarriages.

8

Red Kidney Beans

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Credit: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Raw or undercooked red kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin , a type of lectin that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Boiling the beans for at least 30 minutes is recommended to ensure the toxin is destroyed. Cooking at lower temperatures (as in a slow cooker) might be insufficient to remove the lectin, leading to many cases of food poisoning.

9

Almonds

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Credit: Jocelyn Morales

The seemingly harmless almond can contain amygdalin, a naturally occurring chemical that breaks down into cyanide when ingested. However, only bitter almonds represent a danger , with sweet almonds being completely safe to eat unprocessed. The bitter varieties are often required by law to be carefully processed in order to remove the toxic compounds.

10

Potatoes

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Credit: Markus Spiske

Bet you didn’t expect the humble potato to be included in this list! Green or raw potatoes contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues if consumed in large quantities. The toxic compound protects the potato plant from its predators, but luckily most forms of cooking are sufficient to completely remove the dangerous alkaloid.