What do cashews, mangoes, and poison ivy all have in common? They’re all in the same plant family, Anacardiaceae (commonly known as the sumac family). If you happen to be allergic to poison ivy ( or more specifically, the urushiol found in the sap) you’re probably also allergy to the sap found in mango and cashew trees…which I learned the hard way this week 😅 Symptoms include: itchy, rashes spots on the skin, fever, headache and inflammation.

If you’re allergic to poison ivy, can you still eat mango? Yes! Urushiol is found in plant’s sap, not inside the fruit itself. Avoid coming into contact with the sap by having a friend PEEL and cut the mango FOR you, then you can enjoy the fruit. stay safe out here folks!

To learn more about growing mangos and other sumac family plants in your Florida garden, check out this publication from the University of Florida.