The Ackee fruit is native to Tropical West Africa and is popular in Jamaica where it is the national fruit. They use it in their national dish, which is ackee and saltfish, but this fruit can be very dangerous if it is picked and consumed before it is ripe. It is available in Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Barbados and even Florida and it is very nutritious when prepared properly. It provides essential fatty acids, vitamin A, zinc and protein and ackee oil is a major contributor to the Jamaican diet. This fruit is canned and is a major export of Jamaica, although in the past it has been prohibited from being imported into the US due to unripe ackee arilli being included, it is currently allowed by the FDA.
When picked and consumed before it is fully ripe, it
prohibits the body to release back up glucose that is stored in the liver,
which causes blood sugar levels to plunge leading to hypoglycemia. Symptoms
include dizziness, nausea, vomiting and seizures and this illness is referred
to as Jamaica Vomiting Sickness. Many people have died from eating this fruit
and it is illegal to bring it into the US. In 2005, the FDA approved shipment
of ackee from Haiti into the US market, provided it meets the required
standards. It is recommended to use caution when purchasing or consuming this
fruit and if symptoms occur it is best to be seen by a health care professional
right away.
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