Toxins in Some Fruits and Vegetables

Appears in
On Food and Cooking

By Harold McGee

Published 2004

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Many plants, perhaps all plants, contain chemicals meant to discourage animals from eating them. The fruits and vegetables that we eat are no exception. While domestication and breeding have reduced their toxin contents to the point that they’re not generally hazardous, unusual preparations or serving sizes can cause problems. The following plant toxins are worth being aware of.