What fruits should not be eaten with pufferfish?

Generally, pufferfish should not be consumed together with fruits such as persimmons, grapes, pomegranates, hawthorns, or plums. Special attention must be paid to dietary combinations when eating pufferfish. If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or numbness occur after consumption, immediate medical attention is recommended.

1. Persimmon: Persimmons contain high levels of tannic acid, which can bind with the high-quality protein in pufferfish to form tannin-protein complexes that are difficult to digest. These may accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing bloating and abdominal pain, and in severe cases, lead to gastric persimmon stones.

2. Grape: Grapes have relatively high contents of tannic acid and organic acids. When consumed with pufferfish, they may irritate the gastric mucosa and interfere with protein absorption, possibly leading to symptoms such as acid reflux and diarrhea. The risk is especially higher when eaten on an empty stomach.

3. Pomegranate: The pulp of pomegranate contains tannic acid, which reacts with the protein in pufferfish and reduces nutrient absorption efficiency. It may also increase the burden on the gastrointestinal system, causing indigestion, belching, bloating, and other discomforts.

4. Hawthorn: Rich in both hawthorn acid and tannic acid, hawthorn accelerates protein coagulation when eaten with pufferfish, forming indigestible precipitates that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. This may trigger stomach pain, nausea, and reduce the nutritional benefits of pufferfish.

5. Plum: Plums contain abundant organic acids and small amounts of tannic acid. When consumed with pufferfish, they may stimulate excessive gastric acid secretion, resulting in dual irritation to the gastric mucosa. This could easily lead to a burning sensation in the stomach and diarrhea, particularly noticeable among individuals with weak gastrointestinal function.

To ensure safety, pufferfish should only be sourced from reputable, certified suppliers and thoroughly cooked before consumption. A gap of at least 2–3 hours is recommended between eating pufferfish and consuming the aforementioned fruits. It is advisable to pair pufferfish with light vegetables and avoid other high-tannin foods simultaneously to minimize health risks.