Can Eating Cherry Pits Harm You? The Truth About Cyanide in Fruit Stones

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Cherry pits contain amygdalin, a compound that the body can convert into the toxic chemical hydrogen cyanide. This is why many people wonder, 'can eating cherry pits harm you?' The risk depends entirely on whether the pit is swallowed whole or crushed.

Quick Summary

Eating cherry pits is harmful only if they are chewed or crushed, which releases cyanide. Swallowing intact pits is generally not toxic but presents a choking risk. Symptoms include headache and nausea.

Key Points

Toxic Compound: The kernel inside a cherry pit contains amygdalin, which the body can metabolize into hydrogen cyanide, a potent toxin when crushed.
Low Risk When Whole: Swallowing an uncrushed, whole cherry pit is generally safe for adults, as the hard shell prevents amygdalin release and the pit passes harmlessly through the digestive tract.
High Risk When Crushed: The danger lies in chewing or crushing the pits, which releases the toxic amygdalin. This includes accidentally grinding them in a high-speed blender.
Poisoning Symptoms: Symptoms of cyanide exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures and difficulty breathing.
Children are More Vulnerable: Due to their lower body weight and higher likelihood of chewing, children are at greater risk from crushed cherry pits and face a higher choking hazard from whole pits.
Prevention is the Best Strategy: The safest practice is to always spit out cherry pits and ensure they are removed before blending fruit.

The Science Behind Cherry Pit Toxicity: Amygdalin and Cyanide

Inside the hard, outer shell of a cherry pit is a seed, also known as a kernel, that contains a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside, a substance that becomes toxic when metabolized by the body. This transformation happens when the pit is crushed or chewed, allowing enzymes in your body to react with the amygdalin and convert it into hydrogen cyanide. Hydrogen cyanide is a dangerous poison that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen, potentially damaging vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. The presence of amygdalin is not unique to cherries; other stone fruits like apricots, peaches, and plums also contain this compound in their pits.

Whole vs. Crushed Pits: Understanding the Risk Levels

The most important factor determining the risk associated with cherry pits is their physical state when ingested. The hard, protective outer shell of an intact pit prevents the release of amygdalin. As a result, accidentally swallowing a few whole cherry pits is generally considered safe for most adults, as they will simply pass through the digestive system undigested and exit the body naturally.

The danger arises when the pit is crushed, chewed, or ground, which breaks the hard outer layer and releases the toxic amygdalin. This is particularly relevant when using high-speed blenders, which can pulverize cherry pits into small fragments, releasing the cyanide-producing compounds into a drink. Even with a blender, the amount of cyanide released may be small, but it is a preventable risk.

Comparison of Whole Pits vs. Crushed Pits


Scenario	Risk Level	Explanation
Swallowing a few whole pits	Low	The hard shell prevents amygdalin release; pits pass harmlessly through the digestive system.
Chewing or crushing pits	Moderate to High	Breaks the shell, releasing amygdalin which the body converts to toxic cyanide.
Blending cherries with pits	Moderate	High-speed blenders can crush pits, releasing amygdalin into the blended mixture.
Swallowing many whole pits (especially children)	Low (toxicity), High (intestinal blockage)	While not toxic, a large quantity can cause a mechanical blockage in the colon, requiring medical attention.

Cyanide Poisoning Symptoms to Watch For

If crushed or chewed cherry pits are consumed, symptoms of cyanide poisoning can manifest. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the dose and individual body weight.

Mild Symptoms:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Anxiety
Mild stomach upset

Severe Symptoms (requiring immediate medical attention):

Rapid heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Loss of consciousness or coma
Respiratory failure

How Many Cherry Pits Are Dangerous?

There is no single, definitive number of crushed cherry pits that can be considered lethal, as the amount of amygdalin varies widely depending on the type of cherry, its ripeness, and its size. For example, Morello cherries have a significantly higher concentration of amygdalin compared to red or black cherries. However, it is reported that consuming as few as three to four crushed Morello cherry pits could lead to cyanide toxicity. It is critical to remember that children are at a greater risk due to their lower body weight, which means a smaller dose can have a more significant effect. Because of this variability and risk, the safest course of action is to avoid consuming any crushed or chewed cherry pits entirely.

What to Do If You've Eaten a Cherry Pit

If you accidentally swallow a whole, intact cherry pit, do not panic. The risk is low, and the pit will likely pass through your system without issue. You can rinse your mouth with water and drink a glass of water.

If, however, you have chewed, crushed, or ingested a significant number of pits, or if symptoms of poisoning begin to appear, it is crucial to act immediately:

Contact Poison Control: Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance. Their service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. An expert can assess the situation and provide instructions. You can also visit the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for triage.
Seek Medical Attention: If serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or seizures occur, call emergency services or get to an emergency room immediately.
Provide Details: When speaking with medical professionals, provide as much information as possible, including the number of pits consumed, if they were crushed, and when the incident happened.

Prevention is Key: Safe Cherry Consumption

Avoiding the danger of cherry pits is simple and requires minimal effort. By following a few best practices, you can enjoy cherries safely.

Pitting Cherries for Smoothies and Desserts

Use a Pitter: The easiest way to remove pits is with a cherry pitter, which quickly and efficiently removes the stone from the fruit.
Manual Methods: If you don't have a pitter, you can use a chopstick and a bottle or a paperclip to push the pits out.
Always Remove Pits Before Blending: To avoid releasing amygdalin, make sure all pits are removed before adding cherries to a blender or food processor.

Safe Consumption Practices

Spit Out the Pits: The simplest method for eating fresh cherries is to spit out the pits as you go.
Teach Children: It is especially important to teach children to spit out the pits, as they are more susceptible to both choking and toxicity.
Discard Pits Safely: Dispose of pits in the trash, away from pets or small children.

Conclusion: Safe Snacking is Simple

While the concept of cyanide in cherry pits can be alarming, the risk of poisoning is extremely low for the average consumer who simply eats the fruit and discards the stone. The harm occurs when the pit is crushed, chewed, or ground, releasing the toxic compound amygdalin. As long as you are mindful of this difference and take simple preventative steps like spitting out pits and removing them before blending, you can continue to enjoy the delicious taste of cherries without any cause for concern. For questions or in case of a concern, resources like Poison Control offer reliable, expert guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, swallowing a few whole cherry pits is generally not dangerous for adults. The hard outer shell of the pit prevents the release of the toxic compound, and the pit will pass through your digestive system intact.

If you chew and swallow a single pit, the amount of toxin released is likely small and unlikely to cause harm. However, chewing multiple pits or feeling unwell requires calling Poison Control for guidance and watching for symptoms like headache or nausea.

Yes, using a high-speed blender can crush the cherry pits, releasing amygdalin and potentially creating a toxic smoothie. It is best practice to always remove all pits before blending.

There is no definitive number, as the amount of amygdalin varies by cherry type and individual weight. However, consuming even a small number of crushed pits is risky, especially with Morello cherries which are higher in amygdalin.

Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, anxiety, and an upset stomach. In more severe cases, symptoms can progress to a rapid heart rate, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

No, cherry pits are not safe for children. They pose a higher risk of choking, and a child's lower body weight makes them more susceptible to toxicity if a pit is chewed or crushed.

Yes, other stone fruits like apricots, peaches, and plums also contain amygdalin in their pits. The same principle applies: the risk is associated with crushing the pit, not with swallowing it whole.