kiwi fruit

[Kirstyhev]

why does my mouth feel like it is furry when i have eaten a kiwi? is it them black seeds? i dont eat the skin, just the inside.

[happy_face]

Mine's the same and my lips start to bleed if I eat more than one. I think it's the same as when you eat the core of a pineapple - too much acid, but don't quote me on that

[nickmo]

Enzymes in the pulp of the fruit cause the feeling which is a mild allergic reaction.

'Cysteine protease named actinidin (EC-3.4.22.14) which has specificity similar to papain. Such proteases have a putative role in plant defense' - which cause allergic reactions in some people, the worst cases being, like with some reactions to peanut or insect sting, anaphlyaltic shock. There are a lot of sites on food allergens if you want further info by doing a quick search quite easily. Papaya also has latex enzymes that cause the same reaction as pineapple bromides.

Pineapple enzymes cause rashes if placed on skin, and for this reason, as the enzyme is also able to 'digest' flesh, is good on pork to begin to make the meat more paletable before it is eaten.

[waimarie]

My son had very severe blisters from celery juice. As a teenager he worked part-time on a market garden where they grew large quantities of celery and liquid used to seep from the trimmings on to the floor of the processing shed. Splashes of this got on his forearms and caused bad blistering. We were told celery contained some form of acid but I have forgotten the details. Perhaps somebody can refresh my menory.

[nickmo]

FSA info on food allergy here on the celery page: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthissues/foodintolerance/foodintolerancetypes/celeryallergy/

Also, allergies to carrot and spices, predominantly of the umbelliferous family, are highly associated to celery allergy. Says so here (large site on food allergy): http://www.food-allergens.de/symposium-2-3/celery/celery-allergens.htm

There are a lot of links to give you info on the causes, but its really a genetic thing - you are either allergic or not. Its eems to be a southern European pre-disposition, so blame the ancestors. Celery is not required to be labelled on foodstuffs, but I think it is listed on 1 or 2 responsible makers who recognise that it can cause problems. Celery salt is in fact quite acommon addition to savoury foods.