While the service pear was once considered an important fruit tree, it is now increasingly used in hedges and as a malleable solitary plant. However, there is always confusion among hobby gardeners over the question of whether the service pear is actually poisonous or not.

The fruits of the pear are edible

Confusion about edible fruits and toxic ingredients

The harmlessness of the pear is that its edible fruits can not only be processed into jams and jellies, but can also be eaten fresh. However, e.g. the leaves of the pear (Amelanchier ovalis) are said to contain toxins, which is why children and pets with a limited sense of taste for the bitter substances in the leaves (actually warning against consumption) should not nibble on the leaves. Even more important is the fact that the seeds of the fruit contain cyanogenic glycosides, which could theoretically lead to hydrogen cyanide poisoning if consumed in large quantities. However, most of the seeds of the pear are excreted undigested when eaten fresh and larger amounts must be ingested to cause real symptoms of poisoning.

These symptoms can occur when eating the seeds

With their content of hydrocyanic acid, the seeds of the pear are comparable to the toxin content of apple seeds. If too large amounts of the kernels (especially with unripe fruits) are actually ingested, the following symptoms can sometimes occur:

  • nausea
  • nausea
  • diarrhea

As an immediate measure, if you have these symptoms, you should drink large amounts of liquid (tea, juice, water) and then see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out further complications.

Avoid risks and enjoy the fruit of the pear carefree

In order to prevent risks associated with the consumption of the fruit of a pear, children in particular should not eat the fruit fresh to a large extent. Since the hydrogen cyanide it contains is decomposed during cooking, jams made from the fruit can be eaten without hesitation. You can also make sure that you only eat the fruit without the seeds it contains.

tips

Even with varieties of the pear with poisonous leaves, only the consumption of the leaves and the kernels harbors a potential risk. Pruning and other care measures can also be carried out safely without gloves.

Category:

Trees