Don't pick that fruit! Learn about the poisonous fruits that grow in the forest and garden.

A wide variety of berries ripen in the summer, some of which are highly poisonous. Find out which toxic berries to watch out for.

Summer is the time for delicious seasonal fruit, preferably picked straight from the bush. Currants, gooseberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are all welcome in the garden. But we also often pick wild berries. And that can be a problem, because in summer not only edible berries ripen, but also poisonous, even deadly berries. In addition, they often look very appetizing.

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How to pick berries safely

The basic principle of safety is this: only pick fruit that you know and are sure of. In doing so, pay attention to the appearance of the whole plant - including the leaves, its size and habit. Many plants have similar berries but differ in other details of their structure. And these differences often determine whether we pick edible or poisonous berries (for example, the fruit of the quadruped looks like the fruit of the blueberry, called bilberry, but it is poisonous).

The consumption of certain fruits can have serious consequences for your health, and can even be fatal. It is therefore essential to learn how to recognize dangerous plants and fruits in order to avoid any accidents. Symptoms vary according to species, but can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches and respiratory problems. In the event of suspected ingestion, it is advisable to contact a Poison Control Center or healthcare professional as soon as possible. Prevention is better than cure!