Mirabelle plums: Delicious summer treat with cautionary tales

The branches of trees are laden with the weight of the fruit, and more and more of them are falling to the ground. The mirabelle plum season occurs in late summer, so it is slowly picking up. However, don't rush to eat them, as carelessness can cause you a lot of discomfort.

Mirabelle plums are one of the symbols of summer. They grow wild in many places, adorning parks and squares with their yellow fruits. Although they are tempting with their appearance and sweet aroma, it is worth being cautious when eating them. Not every Mirabelle plum is suitable for a quick snack.

With their intense flavour, these small, spherical fruits are associated with childhood and carefree moments spent in the countryside. They are not only tasty but also very healthy. Mirabelle plums are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the body's immunity and acts as an antioxidant. They also contain B vitamins, which are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Mirabelle plums contain a lot of fibre, which has a beneficial effect on gut health. They are also a good source of potassium and magnesium. Mirabelle plums also contain antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and slow the aging process.

Ripe Mirabelle plums have a sweet, slightly tangy taste that refreshes perfectly on hot days. The key word here is "ripe." Not only do the ripe ones fall from the tree, but the fruits on the ground do not necessarily have to be ready for consumption. Unripe fruits are not yet soft, juicy, and sweet. Sometimes, they can even be slightly green, and their taste is usually less intense, slightly tart, or unpleasantly sour.

It's not without reason that grandmothers warned against eating raw fruits. Unripe mirabelle plums can cause stomach problems. Eating them often causes stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or bloating. In some people, consuming unripe fruits can cause allergic reactions. It's unpleasant, especially when it takes away the enjoyment of the last summer days.

Watch out where you pick them

Fruits growing in the urban jungle are exposed to pollution, such as exhaust fumes or dog droppings. It is worth considering this and planning the harvest away from roads. Fruits must be washed thoroughly under running water, especially those picked from the ground. In some cases, consuming contaminated fruits can lead to food poisoning.

Mirabelle plums are delicious and healthy fruits, but caution should be exercised when picking and eating them. By choosing fruits from reliable sources and washing them thoroughly, we can enjoy their taste without worries about our health.