The Toxic Compound: Amygdalin and Cyanide
The myth that all cherries are inherently poisonous is not true; the danger lies not in the delicious, fleshy fruit, but in the plant's other parts. The seeds (kernels) found inside the hard pits, as well as the leaves and stems, contain a compound called amygdalin. When amygdalin is metabolized by the body's enzymes after being exposed by crushing or grinding, it converts into the toxic chemical hydrogen cyanide. This chemical can interfere with the body's ability to use oxygen, potentially causing serious health issues. For this reason, it is crucial to understand which parts of the cherry are safe to eat and which are not.
The Real Risk: Crushing the Pit
For the average person enjoying a handful of cherries, the risk of poisoning is extremely low. This is because the amygdalin is safely encased within the hard, protective outer shell of the pit. Swallowing a few pits whole will not typically cause harm, as they will pass through the digestive system intact without releasing their toxic contents. The main danger occurs when the pit is crushed, chewed, or ground, allowing the amygdalin to be processed and converted into cyanide. This can happen if someone deliberately chews the pits, or if unpitted cherries are accidentally blended into a smoothie using a high-speed blender. In July 2017, a man in Lancashire, England, experienced symptoms of cyanide poisoning after eating three crushed cherry kernels, highlighting this specific danger. Therefore, to be safe, pits should always be discarded, and small children should be taught not to chew or swallow them.
Cyanide Poisoning Symptoms and What to Do
Recognizing the signs of cyanide poisoning is important, though cases from cherries are rare. The symptoms can develop quickly after exposure and may include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or fatigue
- In severe cases, loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know has crushed and ingested a significant number of cherry pits and shows any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.
Comparison of Cherry Parts: Edible vs. Toxic
To better illustrate what is safe and what is not, consider the following table:
| Cherry Part | Edibility | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Fleshy Fruit | Edible | Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like anthocyanins. |
| Pits (whole) | Inedible, but safe | Pass through the digestive system intact, so toxins are not released. Poses a choking hazard. |
| Pits (crushed/chewed) | Highly Toxic | The crushed kernel releases amygdalin, which the body converts to cyanide. |
| Leaves | Highly Toxic | Contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be consumed. Particularly toxic when wilted. |
| Stems | Highly Toxic | Also contain cyanogenic compounds and should be discarded. |
The Special Case of Wild Cherries
While most cultivated sweet and tart cherries found in stores are perfectly safe to eat, wild cherries require extra caution. The most common varieties of wild cherries are edible, but misidentification with other, truly poisonous wild plants is a significant risk. Unless you are an experienced forager and are 100% certain of the identification, it is best to avoid eating wild berries and fruits you encounter. Even with correctly identified wild cherries, the same rules apply: never consume the pits, leaves, or stems, as their concentration of cyanogenic compounds can vary.
How to Safely Enjoy Cherries
Enjoying cherries safely is simple and involves a few best practices:
- Spit out the pits: Always remove and discard the pits before eating, cooking, or baking with cherries. This is the most crucial step.
- Pitting tools: For recipes that require pitted cherries, use a dedicated cherry pitter to make the process quick and easy.
- No blending: Avoid blending whole, unpitted cherries, as this will crush the pits and release the toxins.
- Educate children: Teach kids to spit out the pits. For younger children, pre-pit the cherries to avoid choking hazards and accidental ingestion.
- Know your source: Stick to cherries from a reliable source like a grocery store or trusted farm unless you are a knowledgeable forager.
Conclusion: Enjoying Cherries with Care
In summary, the notion that all cherries are poisonous is a misconception born from a partial truth. The fruit itself is a safe and healthy addition to any diet, offering numerous benefits from antioxidants to vitamins. The danger is exclusively confined to the plant's other parts—specifically, the seeds inside the pits, as well as the leaves and stems. By simply removing the pits and avoiding the leaves and stems, you can safely enjoy cherries without any risk of cyanide exposure. Awareness and careful preparation are the only requirements to safely enjoy this delicious summertime treat.
For more information on the dangers of accidental ingestion of potentially toxic household items, including fruit pits, you can contact the National Poison Control Center. https://www.poison.org/
Can You Eat Wild Cherries, or Are They Poisonous? - Lose It!
Know what you're eating: Always be certain of a fruit's identification before eating it, especially in the wild. Misidentifying a harmless fruit for a poisonous one is a serious risk.
Are Cherry Pits Really Poisonous? - Poison Control
The danger lies in crushing: Small, unintentional ingestions of intact cherry pits are unlikely to cause harm, but crushing or chewing them releases cyanide.
Health Benefits of Cherries - WebMD
The fruit is nutritious: The edible flesh of cherries is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, with numerous health benefits.
Cherry Pits - Missouri Poison Center
Blending is a risk: Accidentally blending unpitted cherries can pulverize the pits and release toxins. Always pit cherries before adding them to a high-speed blender.
Cherry | ASPCA
Toxic to pets: Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, causing clinical signs of cyanide poisoning.
All About Cherries: Nutrition, Benefits, Types, Side Effects, and More - Everyday Health
Pitting is best practice: It's always best practice to spit out the pits, especially for children, to prevent choking and toxin release.
Are Cherry Pits Safe to Eat? Cyanide Content and More - Healthline
Concentration varies: The amount of amygdalin varies by cherry type and size, making it difficult to pinpoint a specific dangerous quantity.
Common Foods That Can Be Toxic - WebMD
Pass through harmlessly: Intact pits generally pass through the digestive system without releasing their toxins.
8 Foods That Could Kill You (If You Eat Enough of Them) - Bon Appétit
Cyanide in kernels: The kernels of stone fruits contain cyanogenic compounds that can be converted into cyanide.
