This mango looks delicious at first glance but lurking within its tantalizing exterior is a chemical known as urushoil. This oil is also found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Some people are not affected by contact but others can be severely allergic to this oily yet tasty treat.
One of the many things that Ross and I have learned over the course of our first month in Vancouver is that I have developed an adult onset allergy to mango. Last week I experienced all of the symptoms related to "mango itch". I ate a mango in the evening and the next morning woke up with blisters, hives, and redness all over my face. This was definitely the least enjoyable experience thus far but a valuable opportunity to learn an interesting fact about God's creation.
My face has cleared up quite nicely after taking some high powered medications. Although I am feeling better, I am fairly certain that I will never touch another mango. Ross has decided that he will wait a few weeks before bringing one into the house :)
