Content
- The blackberries and the dreaded fox tapeworm
- The real threat and the statistics
- Wild blackberries and the safety of consumption
- Mostly no danger in your own garden
- Tips & Tricks
The blackberries and the dreaded fox tapeworm
Many people ring the alarm bells when it comes to blackberries, because they then think of warnings about the fox tapeworm from their childhood. Often many mysterious speculations and half-truths surround this danger.
The real threat and the statistics
In fact, fox tapeworm is a disease that has been spreading in Europe for several decades and can be dangerous not only to humans but also to many animals. Since the course of the disease can sometimes lead to severe disability or even death, the factors of contagion and the abstract hazard potential should also be discussed in principle. However, the reality is that every year in central Europe very few people are the victims of this pathogen. This is not only due to the fact that foxes in the forests are dwindling, but also to the deterrence of many adults and children from snacking on sweet berries in the forest.
Wild blackberries and the safety of consumption
Today there are many children and adults who, due to fear of the fox tapeworm, are not collecting and eating fruits in the wild. However, wild blackberries with their spicy and aromatic taste can be used for fresh consumption or drying, if the following safety rules are followed:
In fact, thorough and repeated washing of the collected blackberries with clear water provides the best protection against infection with the fox tapeworm. The pathogen is washed off and the tasty fruit can be consumed without hesitation.
Mostly no danger in your own garden
If you grow blackberries of wild or cultivated blackberry species in your own garden, you can usually feel safe in front of the fox tapeworm. Unless you have your property directly in the forest without fencing, contact with an infected fox is very unlikely. However, it does not hurt to wash the fruits with fresh water before juicing or processing into juices and jams.
Tips & Tricks
While collecting wild blackberries, do not snack fruit directly in the forest despite the temptation. Protect yourself from diseases by first washing the fruits thoroughly with clear water at home.