Vinegar trees are still considered poisonous, although the fruit is edible. But the widespread ornamental plant differs in terms of its ingredients from other vinegar tree plants. A toxic effect is only seen in rare cases.
The fruits of the vinegar tree are edible
ingredients and toxicity
Vinegar trees evoke associations of poisoning that are unfounded. This confusion stems from the fact that other species in the genus Aceraceae produce toxic effects. Poisonous ivy contains urushiols, which cause severe allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin.
No urushiols were detected in the vinegar tree. In addition to tannins and ellagic acid, the plant parts of the vinegar trees contain an acidic cell sap. Here the toxicity, which is classified as low, is based on the tannins and the fruit acids. The dose makes the poison, because symptoms of poisoning due to the tannins only occur when large quantities are consumed or over a long period of time. Contact with the milky plant sap can cause skin irritation.
Possible consequences after consumption:
- Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
- liver damage
- stomach and intestinal pain
- Nausea, headache and nausea
toxicity to animals
In animals, the parts of the plant cause more intense symptoms of poisoning after consumption. Hamsters and guinea pigs react with stomach and intestinal problems, while the ingredients cause colic and diarrhea in horses. The milky sap leads to inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes in many animals.
use
The red pods of the vinegar tree are used to make refreshing lemonades that are rich in vitamin C. They are used to make vinegar, which led to the name vinegar tree. In Turkey, the dried seeds are used as a spice that gives various dishes a sour taste.