The exotic fruit with the sweet, mild taste is becoming increasingly popular with us. But it is not completely edible. We show which parts of the fruit should not be consumed under any circumstances and why this is so.
Is cherimoya poisonous?
It is not the fruit itself that is poisonous, butthe black seeds it contains - seeds about the size of coffee beans. The he althy pulp of the cherimoya is non-toxic and can be consumed safely.
Why are cherimoya seeds poisonous?
The seeds of the heart-shaped cherimoya fruit, which comes from South America and can also be grown in our latitudes, containAlkaloids If the seeds are chewed or crushed and mixed into a smoothie the alkaloids are released. Caution is therefore advised and the seeds should be carefully removed before consumption - in contrast to the seeds of a fully ripe papaya, which are non-toxic and can be eaten.
What symptoms does seed poisoning cause?
Symptoms that can be caused by chewing and swallowing cherimoya seeds includeGastrointestinal disorders:
- Stomachache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
In some cases,Dizziness may occur in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms. It is important that the symptoms do not occur immediately after eating the cherimoyas with seeds, but only 30 to 90 minutes afterwards.
What happens if the seeds are accidentally swallowed?
Anyone who accidentally swallows a seed from the pulp of Annona cherimola, the botanical name of the chermimoya, which is cultivated not only in South America but now also in Israel and Spain, usually does nothave symptoms of poisoning calculate Only when the seeds are chewed are the toxic alkaloids released into the body and lead to the typical gastrointestinal complaints.
What should I do if I get poisoned with cherimoya seeds?
There is no therapy that is specifically tailored to the consumption of cherimoya seeds and the resulting complaints. The usualhome remediesormedications from the pharmacycan help against the gastrointestinal symptoms. If you have severe symptoms or are in doubt, you should call apoison control center.
Tip
Use for exotic desserts etc
The flesh of the cherimoya not only tastes pure and spooned directly from the green, soft peel. The fruit is at its best in fruit salads and smoothies - vanilla sugar, but also spices such as cardamom and nutmeg, are suitable for refinement. If you like it hearty, serve cherimoya together with smoked ham as a small meal or an unusual starter for a delicious menu.
