The rainy season may feel refreshing, but it also brings along humidity, water stagnation, and an increased risk of bacterial and fungal contamination in food. One key aspect of staying healthy in this season is adjusting your monsoon diet, especially when it comes to fruits.While fruits are usually seen as immune-boosting and digestion-friendly, some are actually fruits to avoid during monsoon due to their high water content, quick spoilage rate, or vulnerability to hidden microbes. Knowing which fruits to avoid in monsoon can help you stay safe from seasonal infections, stomach upsets, and foodborne illnesses and keep your energy levels high throughout the rainy months.
5 fruits you should not eat in monsoon to avoid infection and indigestion
Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and bromelain, but during the rainy season, it can worsen throat irritation, cough, or cold—conditions that are already common due to sudden temperature drops. Pineapple’s acidic and enzyme-rich content can increase phlegm and may trigger throat inflammation in sensitive individuals.It can aggravate cold and cough symptoms, increase mucus production, and lead to minor allergic reactions. You can choose a healthy option by shifting to sweet lime (mosambi) or oranges—both are high in vitamin C, enhance immunity, and are gentler on the throat.
Watermelons
Watermelon, though perfect for summer hydration, is not suited for monsoon due to its excess water content, which can slow digestion and ferment quickly in humid conditions. During monsoon, watermelons are more prone to bacterial contamination and spoil faster once cut; consuming them may lead to bloating, loose stools, or even gut infections if not consumed fresh or stored properly.According to the study, high-moisture fruits like watermelon have higher microbial loads when exposed to humid environments.A healthy alternative would be pomegranate, rich in antioxidants and fibre, and known to support digestion and immunity.
Grapes
Grapes have thin skins and grow in tight bunches, making them difficult to wash thoroughly. In monsoon, they become highly vulnerable to fungal spores, dirt, and pesticide residue. The rainy season’s humidity increases the chances of fungal growth and food-borne infections on grapes; consuming unwashed or poorly stored grapes may lead to diarrhoea, nausea, or mild stomach infections.A 2020 study confirmed that grapes are particularly prone to fungal spoilage in humid weather. You can go for apples (which can be peeled) or papaya, which is gentle on the stomach and rich in enzymes that aid digestion.
Bananas
Bananas are not inherently harmful, but overripe bananas during monsoon season ferment faster due to moisture, attracting flies and encouraging bacterial growth. Once overripe, bananas become a breeding ground for microbes, which can trigger acidity, gas, and indigestion.The ripening in humid conditions accelerates microbial fermentation; consuming overripe bananas can upset the stomach, especially if not eaten immediately after peeling. Therefore, always stick to fresh, firm bananas in moderation or switch to steamed seasonal fruits like guava or pears, which are gut-friendly and safe.
Berries (Strawberries)
Berries are porous, delicate, and absorb water quickly, making them highly vulnerable to mould, fungus, and bacterial contamination during monsoon. Even when washed, berries like strawberries may still carry surface bacteria or spoil within hours, which can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, or mild food poisoning, especially in children or those with sensitive digestion. Choose dried fruits like dates or figs in moderation, or go for lightly boiled fruits that are safer and easier to digest.
Smart fruit choices to stay healthy in monsoon 2025
This rainy season, avoid fruits that are
- High in moisture
- Hard to clean properly
- Prone to spoilage or fermentation
Instead, choose fruits that are
- Low in water content
- Rich in vitamin C and fibre
- Easier to digest and clean
- Immune-supportive
Monsoon may feel refreshing, but it poses hidden risks through food contamination, digestive problems, and weakened immunity. Avoiding fruits that are difficult to store, clean, or digest can go a long way in preventing seasonal illnesses. Stick to gut-friendly, clean, and safe alternatives to protect your health and energy levels throughout the rainy season. Being mindful of what you eat, even when it comes to fruits, is one of the easiest ways to stay infection-free and healthy in monsoon 2025Also Read: Monsoon cravings? Choose the right flour for crispy pakoras
