Whenever you talk about picking wild blackberries in the woods, the conversation almost always turns to the risk of fox tapeworms. But honestly? That’s no reason to ignore those delicious berries during your next hike. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know.
Is the danger actually real?
Yes, the fox tapeworm is dangerous to humans. In the worst-case scenarios, the infection can lead to severe health issues or even be fatal. Because of that, you definitely shouldn’t just go around snacking on wild fruit indiscriminately. Fortunately, very few people actually do that. Between our cautious habits and the fact that fox populations fluctuate, this disease remains incredibly rare.
How to safely enjoy those sweet forest treats
Because of the fear of tapeworm larvae, hardly anyone forages for wild berries anymore. Kids are often warned to stay far away from them, too. While safety always comes first, it’s a bit of a shame—wild blackberries have a spicy, aromatic flavor that you just can’t find in the store. If you follow these safety tips, you can enjoy and cook with them without worry:
- Never pick fruit directly from the ground.
- Stick to a minimum picking height of about 30 inches (80 cm).
- Check local reports to see if the parasite is common in that specific forest area.
- Wash the fruit thoroughly several times.
The best and most reliable protection against the parasite is a good, thorough wash. Even if you’re picking high off the ground in an area where tapeworms aren’t common, don’t eat them unwashed. Rinsing them well with clean water helps remove potential pathogens so you can snack with peace of mind.
Blackberries from your own backyard
If you’re growing blackberries in your own garden, you’re usually in the clear regarding fox tapeworms—provided your yard isn’t right on the edge of the woods and is fully fenced. However, if you’ve spotted foxes in your neighborhood and can’t be sure they aren’t visiting your garden at night, the risk is still worth considering.
In general, you shouldn’t eat blackberries straight off the bush without washing them, even at home. Plenty of other critters might use your blackberry plant as a pit stop! Giving them a quick rinse with clean water just makes everything safer and much more enjoyable to eat.
