Ackee is actually a fruit (related to the lychee and longan) that came to Jamaica from Ghana centuries ago. It grows on a tree in
pink pear-shaped pods
split open when ripe to reveal three fleshy yellow “arils” that surround large black seeds.
What does ackee taste like?
Also known as achee, akee apple or akee, the ackee is related to the lychee fruit and has a
delicate, slightly nutty flavor
. One food blogger describes the flavor as similar to garden peas, with “just a hint of sweetness” and a smooth texture “like a fresh bean.”
Why is ackee illegal in the US?
When it’s unripe, however, ackee contains high levels of the toxin hypoglycin A, which disrupts blood glucose production and increases the risk of
hypoglycemia
. Left unchecked, hypoglycemia can lead to coma and even death. Thus, the importation of the raw fruit has been banned by the FDA since 1973.
What does ackee fruit look like?
When it ripens, it turns from green to a bright
red to yellow-orange
, and splits open to reveal three large, shiny black seeds, each partly surrounded by soft, creamy or spongy, white to yellow flesh — the aril having a nut-like flavor and texture of scrambled eggs.
Can you eat raw ackee?
When consumed fresh, fully ripened ackee is
perfectly safe
. Can you eat raw ackee, and what happens if you eat raw ackee? The unripe fruit contains high amounts of hypoglycin A and B, two toxins that can cause a range of severe symptoms, including low blood sugar, vomiting, weakness and even coma or death.
How healthy is ackee?
Ackee is a
safe food to eat
if prepared properly, and is good for you. “Ackee is an unsaturated fat, and has additional health benefits through its high protein content, being a good source of vitamins B and C, zinc, calcium and fibre,” reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Is ackee a fruit or vegetable?
Ackee is a plant that
produces fruit
. It is found in West Africa, the Caribbean, southern Florida, and Central America. Ripe ackee fruit is eaten as food and is considered a dietary staple in Jamaica.
What fruit is illegal in the US?
Ackee
. This unusual fruit is native to West Africa and is also the national fruit of Jamaica, but it’s illegal to import it into the U.S. If it’s not ripened correctly, its toxins could release a surplus of glucose and dangerously drop the consumer’s blood sugar, which could end up being fatal.
Why is dragon fruit illegal?
Reason: This fish has
a killer taste
— literally. The puffer fish’s skin and certain organs contain tetrodotoxin, an extremely poisonous toxin that can paralyze a human and lead to asphyxiation.
Is canned ackee safe?
The short answer is yes,
canned ackee is safe to eat
. The same precautions that you would take for any type of canned food in regard to deep dents and bulging cans apply here.
Is ackee fruit poisonous?
When ingested unripe, ackee produces vomiting and fatal cases of poisoning. The toxic health effects are produced by hypoglycins A and B, which have a potent hypoglycemic effect causing the clinical symptoms and death. The
most toxic is hypoglycin A
, which is found in the unripe arils.
Is canned ackee already cooked?
If you do manage to purchase canned ackee, be sure to drain it completely.
It’s already cooked
, but it’s usually packed in brine. After you’ve added it to whatever you’re cooking, gently stir the pot only once so as to not break up the flesh.
Does ackee and saltfish taste good?
Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish, and makes the perfect breakfast or brunch. The
nutty taste of the lobes of ackee is complemented perfectly
by the sharp salinity and firm texture of salt cod.
Does ackee have to be boiled?
If using canned ackees,
there is no need to boil them
. Simply drain off the liquid. Wash saltfish thoroughly. Place in a pot with enough cold water to cover saltfish.
Can ackee make you sick?
Ingestion of unripe Ackee fruit may result in the
metabolic syndrome
known as “Jamaican vomiting sickness.” Clinical manifestations may include profuse vomiting, altered mental status, and hypoglycemia. Severe cases have been reported to cause seizures, hypothermia, coma, and death.
How is ackee poisoning treated?
The mainstay of treatment in ackee fruit poisoning is to maintain a
normal blood glucose level
. Antiemetics are usually indicated to control the vomiting. Administer activated charcoal as soon as possible after ingestion. Treat convulsions with benzodiazepines.
