Signs of cherries dangerous to health have been identified

Dangerous Sweetness: Toxicologist Warns About the Risks of Consuming Poor-Quality Cherries

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to Lenta.ru, toxicologist and medical sciences candidate Mikhail Kutushov described the signs of dangerous cherries that can cause food poisoning and allergic reactions.

The first thing to pay attention to when choosing cherries is their appearance. "Good cherries are firm, elastic, without dents, spots, cracks, or signs of rot. If the berries have dark spots or feel sticky to the touch - it's better not to take them. Cherries don't ripen after being picked, so if they're unripe - green or sour - they won't become tasty," the specialist emphasized.

The toxicologist warns: suspiciously bright shine on the skin, especially on cherries brought from far away, may indicate chemical treatment of the berries. It's also important to assess the aroma: "If cherries have a sour or fermented smell - this is a sign of spoilage. Good berries have a light, fresh aroma."

The condition of the stems is another important quality indicator. Kutushov advises choosing cherries with green and elastic stems, which indicates the freshness of the product. Dry or black stems indicate that the berry has been stored for a long time. The expert also does not recommend purchasing berries if there are many damaged fruits in the box, juice is leaking, or insects are present - these are clear signs of violation of sanitary storage conditions.

Kutushov pays special attention to seasonality. "If you see cherries for sale already in late spring, this may mean they were grown in greenhouses using growth stimulants or came from countries with less stringent requirements for agricultural product safety," he warned. According to the doctor, such berries often contain increased amounts of nitrates and pesticides, which can cause serious digestive disorders and allergic reactions.