Mirabelle plums: A summer delight with hidden health risks

The branches of trees are bending under the weight of fruits, and more and more specimens are falling to the ground. The season for mirabelles falls in late summer, so it's slowly picking up pace. Don't rush to eat them, though, as being careless might cause a lot of unpleasantness.

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 entice with their appearance and sweet aroma, it is worth exercising caution when eating them. Not every mirabelle plum is suitable as a quick snack.

These small, spherical fruits with an intense flavour evoke childhood and carefree times spent in the countryside. They are not only tasty but also very healthy. Mirabelles are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and is an antioxidant. They also contain B vitamins, which are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

They also contain a lot of fibre, which has a beneficial effect on intestinal function. They are also quite a good source of potassium and magnesium. Mirabelle plums also contain antioxidants, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, slowing down the ageing process.

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

There is a reason why grandmothers warned against eating raw fruits. Unripe mirabelle plums can cause stomach problems. Eating them often causes stomach aches, diarrhoea, vomiting, or bloating. For some people, consuming unripe fruits can cause allergic reactions. It's nothing pleasant, especially when it takes away the enjoyment of the last summer days.

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 gathering away from roads. Fruits must be washed under running water, especially those collected from the ground. In some cases, consuming contaminated fruits can lead to food poisoning.

Mirabelle plums are a delicious and healthy fruit, but caution should be exercised when picking and consuming them. By choosing fruits from reliable sources and washing them thoroughly, we can enjoy their taste without health concerns.