Can wild red plums be eaten raw?

Wild red plums that are not contaminated can usually be eaten raw after being thoroughly washed. However, if the plums are unripe, contaminated, or have surface damage, they should not be consumed directly. If any abnormal reactions occur, prompt medical attention is advised. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Wild red plums contain nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, which are beneficial to human health. For example, vitamin A helps prevent night blindness, vitamin C enhances immunity, and potassium aids in maintaining normal body metabolism. Provided that the wild red plums are confirmed to be from a safe, non-polluted source and have been thoroughly washed, they are generally safe for direct consumption.

However, if the plums are unripe, they may have a sour and astringent taste and could contain higher levels of organic acids and tannins, which may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause discomfort. If wild red plums grow in heavily polluted environments, their surfaces may carry dust, microorganisms, or other contaminants, and eating them directly may lead to infection or poisoning. Additionally, if the surface of the plums is damaged or rotten, harmful microorganisms may proliferate and pose a threat to human health.

When harvesting and consuming wild red plums, it is important to assess their ripeness and avoid picking unripe fruits. Furthermore, the plum surfaces should be washed thoroughly to ensure removal of adhered microorganisms and contaminants.