Millions of people have allergies. The range of allergic reactions to different allergens varies depending on the magnitude of the sensitivity and the type of reaction elicited. Unfortunately, many people are allergic to strawberries. I know what you are thinking: having strawberry allergies might just be a fate worse than death. Of course, that is an exaggeration, but just think of a life devoid of the wonders of strawberries.
This post discusses the main aspects of strawberry allergies. These include what causes the strawberry allergy, the different types of common reactions, and a possible method of getting around a strawberry allergy so that the delicious morsels can be enjoyed!
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Strawberry Allergy: Reactions
There are multiple different reactions an individual can have if a strawberry allergy is present and the individual consumes or is exposed to strawberries. The most severe is pseudoanaphylaxis. This reaction is similar to allergic anaphylaxis except that it does not involve a true allergic response. In pseudoanaphylaxis there is direct release of histamine when substances known as “histamine liberators” are encountered. Strawberries serve as histamine liberators in susceptible people. This reaction is quite serious and can kill the person with the strawberry allergy.
In people allergic to strawberries, a more common reaction is called oral allergy syndrome (OAS). OAS usually develops in individuals who already suffer from hay fever allergies and is often brought on by eating fresh fruits or vegetables.
Other reactions can mimic hay fever, include skin reactions (dermatitis or hives), and can even result in breathing difficulties.
What Causes Strawberry Allergies
Strawberry allergies are not fully understood. However, some research indicates that one of the primary players in strawberry allergy is linked to a protein involved with the ripening of the strawberries. This protein was named Fragaria allergen 1, or Fra a1 for short. This protein is responsible for the characteristic reddening of the strawberries as they ripen.
Allergic to Strawberries?
There are two considerations to keep in mind when considering a strawberry allergy. First, there are strawberry varieties that produce yellow or white strawberries. These pale berries often completely lack the Fra a1 protein, and, consequently, they do not produce the flavonoids that appear red in most mature strawberries. One such cultivar is ‘Sofar’, but it is difficult to purchase. For readily available white strawberries, see the main White Strawberries page.
Second, birch and apples contain a proteins that are very similar to the Fra a1 protein. Because of this, cross-sensitivity may develop, and an individual who is allergic to strawberries should be careful in regards to each of those plant species.
Strawberry Allergy: Conclusion
If you have a mild strawberry allergy, it might be ok to try one of the white or yellow varieties of strawberries to see if there is still a problem when they are eaten. Of course, if you have a serious allergy, the attempt might prove fatal, so be wise. If you are allergic to strawberry proteins of any sort, be sure to only try a strawberry under the careful observation of qualified medical personnel.
Amanda
Quite odd. There are enzymes in pineapple that digest human cells. Lots of people experience a burning feeling in their mouth if they eat a lot of pineapple. This isn’t an allergy. Maybe you have a mild strawberry allergy and the pineapple enzymes are allowing the strawberry allergen more contact with your immune system by digesting your epithelial cells first???
Laura
I did not show a strawberry allergy until at the age of 57, when I ate a 1 oz. bag of freeze-dried strawberries for a snack. There were no other ingredients. Later, to see if that was indeed what caused me to break out all over my face & neck in an itchy rash, I ate 4 slices of strawberry & broke out worse than before. The weird thing is, I’ve never been a big strawberry eater; I only had them occasionally. I have become allergic to other unrelated things over the past year & a half though: beef & milk. It’s the proteins in the milk: whey & casein. This is a bad one. They add milk or whey or sodium caseinate to everything it seems.
Bonnie Williams
I have to ask, did you get bitten by a tick, by any chance? There are certain ticks that carry…something…that causes a beef allergy. I just went through some testing myself as I have been bitten by ticks. I have had Lyme disease a couple of times. Just a thought. I am also 57.
Danielle Mancuso
I am baffled by this comment lol she is not allergic to beef she is allergic to strawberries and it is not from a tick bite she just did a test. Did you even read the comment. I’m so shocked at some of the comments on here. This is a serious serious allergy. It really bothers me because I’m allergic to so much and people say I’m exaggerating or have called me dramatic before and it hurts to see ignorant and stupid theories and comments like this. Very silly of you mam.
Jon
Okay, first, the previous person did say they were allergic to beef as well, and there is a tick that can transmit alpha gal, which is a protein allergy. Calm down.
Danielle Mancuso
That’s just how allergies are they come and go a lot and a lot of mine developed throughout the years.
Dee
I can eat strawberry jam but break out in hives if I try to help make it. I can’t touch or eat them without having hives
Valarie
Ok. I understand allergies and their effects etc. I have a son that has to have an epi-pen for his allergy. That being said, please help with the following. My daughter works at a company that is well known. She started working there 1 yr ago. They now have in their building a young guy in his mid 20’s that says he is DEATHLY allergic to strawberries. So now, the whole building has been bannned of bringing any strawberries or anything strawberry into the building. However, he has been asked the following questions from various individuals in the building and these are his responses: Have been allergy tested for this condition? NO Do you have a letter for HR or your supervisor that says you are DEATHLY allergic to strawberries and what we are to do if you come in contact? NO Do you have an EPI-pen? NO Do you have a medic bracelet? NO Would you really believe he is DEATHLY allergic and force 200+ employees to not eat what they want? I need help with this because it is really starting to ‘tick’ me off. Thanks in advance.
Danielle Mancuso
Yes because I am VERY allergic as well and my grandma is deathly. My throat has gotten very tight swollen and almost closed but the Benadryl and steroids or epi has kicked in right before it did a couple of times. However that ruling is extreme and he should take way better pre caution. I used to be really upset when someone would eat peanut butter at the same table as me because that’s another death allergy of mine and my mom’s and three sisters, but I would never try to get the whole school to stop and I bring Benadryl and my epi pen with me everywhere and always ask about ingredients and peanut oil products.
Danielle Mancuso
Another thing, and with that said of him being a little extra for that and him needing to take better precautions, it is really sad to hear that you don’t believe him especially when you are on a thread about several strawberry allergies and a website built on It and you’re still asking. So please reconsider! Thank you !
Richard Contreras
Unfortunately, I too am allergic to strawberries. I developed this allergy as an adult. I cannot smell or touch a strawberry. If so, I will break out in hives over my face and eventually my breathing is at risk. I am curious to find out if I am allergic to the powder supplements that you add water to for a healthy drink but I haven’t been brave enough to do so.
Lindsay Leigh Strauss
My housekeeper says that she will die if she eats a strawberry. She won’t eat anything on the plate if the strawberry is present. Is this a reasonable reaction to a strawberry allergy? I seems quite extreme to me as I had asked her to spoon some strawberries onto some yogurt and she refused saying that even though she wasn’t touching them she would still die by being close to them? Is this a reasonable response? Thanks so much and please get back to me about this as I find the whole thing really ridiculous.
Suzanne
Hi there… Saw this and felt led to throw in my 2 cents. Of course I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but I know that I personally have an extreme sensitivity to any and all things strawberry. I am 41 now and have been this way since I was 6 months old. Mine is so bad I cannot even be near enough to smell anything strawberry, even things like candles, or air freshener. Just the scent and I immediately start breaking out all over in huge hives and my chest starts tightening, & that’s without even touching or ingesting it. So while I’m obviously no doctor & cannot say yes or no, I just know my own experiences. I’ve seen multiple doctors & they all say the same thing – about all we can do is avoid strawberries! Hope this helps somehow!
Kim
This is absolutely true. The spores from the strawberries become airborne and when she breaths them in the allergic reaction will begin. Most people with this allergy can’t be within feet from them! They usually can’t eat any food that have s been in the same refrigerator let alone plate! I hope this helps you understand a bit more about this extremely DEADLY and dangerous allergy. I hope you care for her enough to not ask her to handle them again.
Donna Anderson
I am so glad to hear that others have allergies to strawberries. Family and friends have made me feel like a freak because I wouldn’t eat strawberries. I’d go to family functions and always ask what type of fruit filling in cakes….if there’s strawberries, I won’t eat it. I’ve been allergic to strawberries since I was very young and am now in my 60’s. The reaction I had put me in the E.R. and am afraid to have contact with the fruit. I just wish people would understand.
Randall
As someone who suffers from severe allergies to strawberries, PLEASE don’t be that person. Nothing worse than having someone dismiss your valid concerns about a serve allergy to food. Spoon it yourself and be glad you can enjoy something that is deadly to others.
Brigette
I have an interesting problem. I can eat strawberries, I can eat pineapple, but not together. I can’t find anywhere what makes these two together, give me an allergic reaction. Anyone have any ideas??
Mr. Strawberry
Brigette,
I’m sorry, but I don’t have any explanation for that! Good luck!
Maggie
Just so you don’t feel alone…..the same thing just happened to me. So odd. My mouth is burning….who would thing that would happen to one person….even more strange…. two people?
Danielle Mancuso
Wow that is very interesting. It sounds like it’s a mixture of the proteins and enzymes just doesn’t sit well with you. Have you done it once or twice in regards to eating them together? This is seriously interesting and I would like to do some research on that and get back to you. Please let me know more if you ever get a chance to read this comment!
KD
Brigette,
Read about OAS- oral allergy syndrome. basically proteins in certain food are similar to plant pollens. when the protein and saliva mix, your body reacts…such as releasing histamine.
I am allergic to pineapples and strawberries- I get awful rashes, lip swelling to the point they crack and bleed.
Mary Ward
Yes. I have a friend who cannot eat raw fruit, especially strawberries. Poor friend! Cooked seems to be fine for her, though.
Judy
I have known that I am allergic to strawberries since I was 6 and had hives at the same time as mumps. 65 years later I still avoid them. The reaction is usually hives and the last time it happened I had bought strawberries for my husband. He cleaned them, cut them up and ate them. I did not think that I had touched them and still got hives. Once I developed a mild cough after eating the kids’ Berry Berry Kix. I watch for things like Skittles and the strawberry juice I found listed on the label of Cran- Raspberry juice.
Sara
My allergic reaction to strawberries is that my lip swells. I was chatting to a scientist one day who mentioned that the most allergenic part of the strawberry is the white fuzzy part inside that’s concentrated near where the stem connects. I now cut that part out when I have strawberries and no longer have a reaction at all. -Sara
Wwyne
Kristy: As someone who has been allergic to strawberries since I was a kid I can can advise that kiwi fruit is a common co allergen if that is the correct term.
Christie
I work in a assisted living and I just received a new resident who has an allergy to strawberries. The family says “Strawberries and things like that” when I ask what else “Things” are they don’t have anything else to add. If one is allergic to Strawberries what else could she possibly be allergic to? Like certain red dyes? Any help or suggestions would be great!! 🙂
Thank You!!
Mr. Strawberry
Christie,
I do not know. If the allergy is serious, I would recommend getting the resident allergy tested. Good luck!
Randall
Beware of kiwis
Danielle Mancuso
Most likely fruit. I’m allergic to strawberries and all the other berries and kiwis and apples and oranges. Celery, carrots, nuts, avacado, I can go on haha. I think it’s wonderful you’re taking the initiative to look into this for your patients. Super kind of you. And you seem so nice on your post. So yeah just be careful with fruits and also google the class that they’re in and what they’re related to and other foods will pop up most likely carrots and celery things like that but I told you all of my allergies so that now you will kind of know what to avoid. I know it’s lengthy. If this helps, when you heat stuff like raw fruits and veggies the allergen goes away if you get it hot enough because it breaks down the enzyme. This is true because I can eat cooked carrots. So maybe you could boil some apples and make a pie or something, alternatives like that. But my number one suggestion to you is please please please ASK the family I need to know exactly what it is so that I can do my job correctly. Because older people sometimes don’t remember stuff like that. I just texted my mom because my grandma who lives with her back in Philly is allergic to strawberries and I said hey please don’t forget because my grandma’s throat will close up so yeah just please hound them until you get the answer. Feel free to email me with any other questions I’d be happy to help with anything else. Have a great day.
Kylie
I didn’t eat strawberries much as a child or teenager, but fell in love with them as an adult. I ate about 10 in one go a few years ago, and ended up with horrible itchy hives all over my neck and lower half of my face. It lasted a week, and antihistamine barely took the itch away. Since then, I’ve been careful and mostly (sadly) avoiding strawberries, but having one here and there to test it.. and besides a slight itch, redness and little bumps, nothing too bad. This weekend though, I ate two strawberries from a strawberry farm, they had been washed well. I’ve ended up with a rash all over my neck and chin way worse than the first time, the itch is unbearable! So grateful I don’t get the swelling or breathing difficulties. I’m so sad though, it really does seem like I’ll have to give up strawberries 🙁 I wonder if I can find the white varieties in Melbourne somewhere.. do they still taste similar to the red varieties?
Mr. Strawberry
Kylie,
Yes, the white strawberries taste similar to the red ones, but they aren’t as prolific. Consequently, very few (if any) commercial producers grow them. Good luck!
Dawn
Hello Kylie. I also suffer from a strawberry allergy that only started when I was an adult. My son, however, is allergic to all stinging bees and takes allergy shots to help him become desensitized. Because of his life threatening bee allergy I have since learned a lot about the dangers of allergies. I was told by his allergist that your first exposure to an allergen is usually mild but will become more severe each time you are exposed. If a person continues to expose themselves to the allergen, anaphylaxis usually occurs which eventually can result in death. If I were you I would be careful. ?
Crystal
As young adult, pitting on my face and rashes, my body crashed. Landed in the hospital without any knowledge and then checked my pockets- strawberry stem.
Extremely painful but I’m thinking of getting a new allergy test, due to new things popping up and becoming allergic to.
Danielle Mancuso
Most times if you boil the food past a certain degree the enzymes evaporate basically killing off the protein and allergen. However I’m not sure if that’s what you’re allergic to exactly but it is most likely… Try it since you have a mild reaction and then have Benadryl, steroids, and epi ready if necessary. It’s worth a try if you love them and it sounds like you do so I don’t want you to have to part without them like I have parted with so many fruits and veggies and avacado and nuts and certain things I’ve loved over the years.
Barbara
Hello. I am a 30 year old female. Strawberries have been a favorite of mine my whole life. However, these past few summers I have noticed my eczema flaring up more than the past (it doesn’t appear as a rash, more like dry itchy skin on my eyes and tiny bumps on my arms). I haven’t made a connection to it possibly being a strawberry sensitivity until this year, when my skin has become extremely itchy all over about 6-8 hours after I eat them. Is this a coincidence? Is it a sensitivity? I have no other symptoms. And I only really eat strawberries in the summer when they are in season.
Also, are the strawberries in Yoplait yogurt as “high risk?” Since they are boiled and I’m guessing the components are broken down? There are chunks of actual strawberries.
Mr. Strawberry
Barbara,
The only way to find out for sure is to be allergy tested for strawberries. Most people who are allergic to strawberries are specifically allergic to the compounds that give strawberries their red colors. So, if you are sensitive to that, you would likely have the same reaction to fresh or boiled berries, unless they have been boiled enough to completely denature the proteins. Additionally, if the strawberries you eat are not organic, you might also be allergic to or having a reaction to the pesticide residues that are on most non-organic strawberries. Good luck!
South Carolina
My 9 year old daughter has been allergic to strawberries since infancy…. like some of these answers have stated, you need to be aware of what you eat bought from store, or made by friends… my daughter was a a sleep over and the parents told her it was artificial strawberries with very little natural strawberry in cake/cupcakes. … my daughter ate them and wound up at ER @ 12:45 AM… Please make your children that may have or do have ANY allergy aware…
Danielle Mancuso
Loveeeeee this comment. It’s so important. I can’t tell you how many times this has happened to me growing up due to people not asking or just not caring. Good luck with everything mam!
Tom153
Ya, artificial. I went to college with a guy that majored in food science. He would extract the “essence” of strawberries (the taste) from strawberries, and put it in other foods, notably wine. Pretty sure they do that with everything strawberry flavored.
Brenda
My 9 yr old granddaughter has had an unusual problem with strawberries, and now the same has happened with the Minute Maid Tropical Blend fruit juice. When strawberries come into contact with her lips, she develops a bad reaction…swelling and blisters of the lips. But if she puts the strawberries into her mouth (or drinks the juice through a straw), by-passing the lips, there’s no reaction.
Lisa
Hello,
My 9 year old son broke out in an itchy hive rash last eve, with the only culprit I could narrow it down to being that he ate a strawberry out of our garden. He’s been eating strawberries his whole life, but this was his first pick of the year from our garden.
We are not sure what type of strawberry plant it is. This is our 2nd year with the plant but last year it did not produce any fruit. It’s a 100% organic garden that we have never added any chemicals or fertilizer to.
I am a nurse and 100% sure it was an allergic reaction. He was fine this morning after taking a big dose of Benedryl and an oatmeal bath last night.
Just wondering your opinion on this. I’ve also recently learned that you can be allergic to only the green leaf of the strawberry plant. He says he did not eat any of the leaf. Thanks in advance!
Mr. Strawberry
Lisa,
While it is possible that he had a genuine allergic response to the strawberry, it is more likely that he had a reaction to something else that was on the strawberry (pollen, dust, bug secretions, etc.) since he has consumed them safely for the rest of his life. My guess is that if you have him eat another strawberry that has been washed thoroughly, he will be able to do so without another reaction. Good luck!
corinne rollins
Sorry. This pseudo shot is wrong. I work at at school and they serve strawberries with lunch due to my reactions (documented including an epi pen use and two trips to the er) I no longer go to the cafeteria unless someone is dying. This is a true allergy.
Kate
hello, I have a question in regards of which strawberry variety to pick to grow myself for my family (my husband is allergic to strawberries) so all of us could enjoy those tasty berries. I have heard that Pineberry ones may still contain allergy causing protein. I am wondering about White Soul variety if they are more safe to try to consume for person with strawberry allergy. I would appreciate if someone could tell me which variety pick.
Thank you
Mr. Strawberry
Kate,
White Soul or another of the white alpine varieties would be the safest choice, but be sure you only try it under the supervision of a medical professional. The compound that most people are allergic to is the one that makes strawberries red, but people are also allergic to other proteins contained within strawberries. If you husband is allergic to one of those, eating any strawberry, even a white one, could cause serious problems. Good luck, and be careful!
Zari
My 19 month old daughter had a reaction after she ate strawberry. Her upper lip was swollen and vomitted 2x, with some red patches. She used to drink strawberry yogurt but for the fresh ones, its her second time to have it. Is it bec. Straberry yogurt has been processed? Any explanation to that?
Mr. Strawberry
Zari,
It could be a number of things. Much strawberry yogurt is just regular plain yogurt with strawberry flavoring added. So, the proteins that are potentially causing the allergic reaction with your daughter aren’t actually present in the yogurt, which is just colored and flavored with substances that actually don’t come from a strawberry at all. It is also possible that your daughter is having a reaction to pesticides or fertilizers or other chemicals used in the growing process, and isn’t having a reaction to the strawberry at all. Either way, I hope you are able to figure it out as food allergies can be very concerning. Good luck!
alison
Hi my son was 2month old when he got dignosed with a cows milk alargy he 17months old now an he remains on soya milk am adding dairy into his diet an he’s been’fine no reaction what it is he has had strawberry yohurts (the little kids pots like munch bunch yoghurts) he was fine then he had a differeant brand strawberry youghurt (muller light brand) it was 8%strawberry puree an he had a reaction to it his face went read an blotchy straight away could this be a reaction to the strawberry or the yoghurt?
Mr. Strawberry
alison,
It could actually be either one. I’d recommend following up with an allergist to determine exactly what your son is allergic to! Good luck!
corinne rollins
Avoid additives. They often use strawberry extracts.
Breanna Brunell
I knew I was allergic to strawberries since I was 4! But when people ask if im allergic to anything and I say strawberries the look at me like im crazy! Its great to know im not the only one!
Amanda
I’ve recently found out I’m allergic to strawberries,so does that mean I need to avoid all types of berries?
Mr. Strawberry
Amanda,
No, not necessarily. If you can identify the specific bioflavonoid or compound to which you are allergic, simply avoiding other foods that contain it should be sufficient. Good luck!
corinne rollins
Hi. I’ve been avoiding (aka allergic) to strawberries since I can remember but blueberrues, raspberries, blackberry and hoysenberries have never bothered me.I grew up with many of these vines and enjoyed picking them.
katie wilkinson
I ate a strawberry shortcake on 4th of july of this year within in 24 hrs I had hives ami allergic to frozen strawberries or the proteins of the strawberries I have been eating strawberries foever and never had an allergic reaction I had to go to the Er in july of this year
Mr. Strawberry
katie wilkinson,
I’m not sure. I’d definitely recommend taking this matter up with your doctor. It is possible that you may have been allergic to something else in the dessert, maybe even one of the food additives. Good luck identifying the culprit!
corinne rollins
Ask what else was on the cake? Did you make it? Do you have any other allergies? Do you trust who made to not cross contaminate? Ask all this befor trying a new allergen.
Danielle
I am almost 30 years old and have eaten stawberries since I can remember. Just recently I planted some strawberries in my garden and they started to ripen, so I ate a few. Within a few minutes of me eating them my mouth and throat started itching really bad. Is this an allergy that I am just now developing or is it something the nursery did to them to make them before I planted them? I wash all my fruits pretty good before eating them and I don’t use pesticides.
Mr. Strawberry
Danielle,
I’m not sure. It could be either one, or it could be that there was a dusting of pollen or some other substance on the berries you ate that caused your reaction. I’d recommend consulting with a medical professional to get it sorted out as allergies can be dangerous! Good luck!
KitKat
My daughter is on an elimination diet to see if a symptom is food related. After eatin strawberries(a permitted food) her face swelled. Is this reaction a strawberry allergy?
Thanks!
Mr. Strawberry
KitKat,
It sounds like it very well might be, but you should consult with your doctor or other qualified medical professional as allergies can be fatal! Good luck!
Cindy
I LOVE strawberries. It seems I recently developed an allergic reaction to them. When I eat them, my mouth develops patches, like the outer layer of my tongue and the inside of my mouth becomes raw. It can become very painful and will last for a copule of days. I didn’t see snyone mention those symptoms, could it be something else and not the strawberries? This also happens when I eat fresh pineapple.
Mr. Strawberry
Cindy,
I’m not an expert with medical conditions of the mouth or of allergies, but if the reaction happens after eating both strawberries and pineapple, it could be related to the acid content of the fruits. You should probably check with your doctor about it!
Cindy
When I eat raw strawberries my jaw tingles and sort of twinges. I didn’t read this as a sign of allergy to strawberries. Is it? If not what could it be? Should I be avoiding them?
Mr. Strawberry
Cindy,
To know for certain, be sure to check with your doctor or other qualified medical professional. However, there are glands and secretory areas that will often spasm with very sweet or tart tastes, both of which can be present with strawberries! It might just be that. Hope that helps!
luminare ionel
what insecticide should I use to control otiorynchus sulcatus larvae on strawberry crop
Mary
Can strawberry allergy manifest in the ears, like an ear infection?
Mr. Strawberry
Mary,
A hypersensitivity to strawberry proteins/allergens can manifest virtually anywhere the body comes in contact with said proteins/allergens. However, strawberry proteins would have a very difficult time moving from the digestive tract into the blood to get to the ear. Unless strawberries are being inserted physically into the ear, an ear infection is much more likely to be caused by a virus or bacteria and not an allergy to strawberries. With health conditions, of course, be sure to consult a licensed medical practitioner for qualified guidance on the treatment and management of ailments.
she's
my almost 2 year old son just have some allergy testing and found out that he was allergic to strawberries but he has never had a reaction so could it be a false negative? or should I still avoid them
Mr. Strawberry
she’s,
I’d pose this question to your pediatrician. He/she would be the best one to answer!
Me
I am a 15 years old boy and i like strawberries but whenever i eat too much strawberries i end up having a really weak kinda rash wich desseapears in no time wich only started happening 2 year ago, but the rash is so weak i end up just ignorinig it, should i? or is it just the beginning of a serious allergy.
Mr. Strawberry
Me,
No way for me to say! I’d recommend visiting your medical doctor to evaluate it.
Alex
Hi,
My 9month old son seems to get a rash on his face when he’s eaten strawberries. Is it likely that he will only get a rash from his allergy or could it also cause breathing difficulties on subsequent exposure? And is this likely to be a lifelong allergy?
Mr. Strawberry
Alex,
It is hard to say without being able to examine the rash. You should probably take him to a pediatrician or allergist to have him tested. Most of the time, allergies are more of a nuisance. But, in some people, they can cause anaphylactic shock and kill.
Sue
Thanks. I am pretty sure it is the leaves, as I do not put any pesticides on my plants. Is it possible to not have an allergy to the strawberries themselves, even though I seem to be allergic to the leaves? Sue
Mr. Strawberry
Sue,
Yes, theoretically it is possible. Not all proteins that are found in the leaves are also contained in the fruits. As such, you may have developed antibodies to specific antigens that are contained only in the vegetative components of the plants. If that is the case, contact with the component to which you have developed antibodies may trigger an immune response such as the symptoms you mentioned.
Sue
I developed a skin rash from eating store purchased strawberries, I discovered this when I started growing my own organically and did not get the rash. I do however, get a terrible itchy, red, raised rash, when picking them, from the leaves of the plant. Does this mean that I shouldn’t eat the strawberries? I haven’t noticed the rash from eating them, only from contact with the leaves. I guess my question is: Can one have an allergy to the leaves and not the berries?
Mr. Strawberry
Sue,
It is possible that you are allergic to a compound found only in the leaves. It may be, however, that you are allergic to something external, like a pesticide or something else in the immediate vicinity.
Paige
I recently ate a bunch of chocolate covered strawberries for my b-day. I got a rash on my arms. It seems mild. I couldn’t figure out what is was at first. I’m pregnant too. This happened in my first pregnancy when I ate too many pecans… Could my pregnancies just be making me sensitive when I don’t have problems not pregnant?
Mr. Strawberry
Paige,
It is definitely possible. The hormones your body produces can trigger all sorts of skin conditions, so I’d say it might be related. Be sure to check with your health care professional, and congratulations on the baby!
Will Denn
As a kid I was allergic to pollen in the Northeast. I moved to the Southeast and I no longer needed to get shots. Several years later I developed nut and food (OAS) allergies.
I am able to eat most fruit and vegetables once they are cooked but not raw. SO I can’t eat raw strawberries but I can eat frozen strawberries in syrup or strawberry jelly.
OAS and nut allergies are the worst.
Kristine
My daughter loves strawberries. She is 12. She recently ate real strawberry jam and the same day had strawberry yogurt. She hasn’t ate strawberries in a couple months. She had a horrible reaction -hive covering her entire torso and back and spreading. Took her to the doctor, steroids and massive amounts of benadryl, she is cleared up. The doctor didn’t seem fazed that this has never happened before.
Is it normal to “just develop” the allergy after being able to eat the strawberries for years?
Mr. Strawberry
Kristine,
Yes, most allergies require some sort of sensitization with a reaction after a subsequent exposure. The antibodies in the blood that cause the reaction are formed after the immune system has been exposed to a specific antigen.
Andrea Ward
If allergic to strawberries in that they bring you out in hives/heat lumps, put pepper on them before eating. This really does work. Might sound silly but it is worth a try.
Mr. Strawberry
Andrea Ward,
Thanks for the tip, but I’d recommend using extreme caution for anyone that has a strawberry allergy. To truly alleviate an allergy, the pepper would have to completely denature and break down the protein markers that one’s body recognizes as foreign in the strawberry. I’m not aware of any mechanism that would allow pepper to do that. So, caution would likely be a good course here. Thanks for the suggestion, though!
Dawn
I work on a farm and a part of my job is to sort the daughter strawberry plants from the mother plants. The only problem is that after 9-10 hours daily sorting the plants I get a severe rash on my right forearm. I have done this job for a few years and have always got the rash on my arm from doing so but now the rash is covering a bigger area. My question is, “Is is safe for me to sort the plants if I do have an allergy to the plants?” I eat strawberries throughout the summer months and I can plant them and work in them during the summer, but sorting them seems to make me break out in hives.
thanks, Dawn
Mr. Strawberry
Dawn,
My recommendation would be to see a dermatologist or general medical doctor about your ailment. I have no medical advice to give regarding it! If you can plant them, eat strawberries, and work in them during the summer, it seems unlikely to me that you are allergic to them. It could be that you are allergic to something in the soil or something sprayed on them prior to sorting. Good luck finding out what is causing your rash!