Is Apricot Gum Edible? Clarifying the Nutritional Sap vs. Toxic Kernels

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 22% of the world's apricots are produced in Turkey, making apricot trees a globally significant resource. A lesser-known product from these trees is apricot gum, a natural resin that is, in fact, edible. However, this is often confused with the highly toxic apricot kernels, prompting the important question: is apricot gum edible?

Quick Summary

Apricot gum, the tree's natural resin, is an edible polysaccharide widely used in the food industry as a thickener and stabilizer. This is fundamentally different from the toxic apricot kernels, which contain amygdalin and can cause cyanide poisoning. This article details the safety, nutritional content, and diverse uses of the edible gum.

Key Points

Edible vs. Toxic: Apricot gum (sap) is edible, while apricot kernels (seeds) are highly toxic due to cyanide-releasing amygdalin.
Nutrient-Rich Sap: Apricot gum is a polysaccharide with protein, fiber, and valuable minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
High in Antioxidants: The gum contains phenolic compounds, giving it a high antioxidant capacity and potential health benefits.
Food Industry Uses: It is used commercially as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer in various food products, similar to gum arabic.
Promotes Shelf Life: Studies have shown that edible coatings made from apricot gum can extend the shelf life of fresh fruits.
Preparation is Key: For safe consumption, the gum should be collected from untreated trees and purified to remove contaminants.
Consumption Guidelines: Always consume apricot gum in moderation and never confuse it with the toxic kernels.

The Critical Distinction: Apricot Gum vs. Apricot Kernels

For anyone considering the use of products from the apricot tree, the most important piece of information is to distinguish between the tree's exudate and its kernel. The edible product in question is the transparent, resinous sap that naturally seeps from the tree bark and branches, often due to injury or environmental factors. This exudate is rich in polysaccharides and is referred to as apricot gum. In contrast, the hard-shelled pit of the apricot fruit contains a seed known as the kernel. This kernel is toxic because it contains a compound called amygdalin. When ingested, amygdalin is metabolized by the body into cyanide, a deadly poison. Health and food safety authorities explicitly warn against consuming raw or unprocessed apricot kernels.

Nutritional Profile and Functional Properties

Apricot gum is a biodegradable, water-soluble polysaccharide that has gained attention in the food and pharmaceutical industries for its functional properties. Studies on the gum have revealed an array of potentially beneficial components. For example, analyses have shown that it contains trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Furthermore, it has a significant phenolic content, which is linked to high antioxidant capacity. The gum's composition includes amino and uronic acids, confirming its polysaccharide structure. When purified, the gum's protein and dietary fiber content can also be increased.

Applications in the Food Industry

The rheological properties of apricot gum, such as its ability to enhance viscosity and stabilize emulsions, make it a valuable food additive. It can be used as a thickener and stabilizer, much like more expensive gums such as gum arabic. Its antioxidant properties also make it a suitable material for edible coatings to extend the shelf life of fruits. For instance, a study demonstrated that coating fruits like strawberries with films extracted from apricot gum significantly extended their shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth.

Comparison of Apricot Gum, Apricot Kernels, and Gum Arabic


Feature	Apricot Gum (Exudate)	Apricot Kernel (Seed)	Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum)
Origin	Exudate/sap from the Prunus armeniaca tree bark	Seed found inside the pit of the Prunus armeniaca fruit	Exudate from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees
Edibility	Edible when sourced safely and purified	Toxic, contains amygdalin which produces cyanide	Edible, widely used as a food additive
Key Compounds	Polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fiber, minerals, phenolic compounds	Amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside)	Polysaccharides and glycoproteins
Primary Uses	Thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, edible coating	Should not be consumed raw. Processed forms may be used in specific contexts	Emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in confectionery, beverages, and pharmaceuticals
Safety Concerns	Primarily related to impurities and potential allergies	Severe risk of cyanide poisoning, potentially fatal	Generally recognized as safe (GRAS), very low toxicity

Preparation and Safe Consumption

For consumption, apricot gum is not typically eaten directly off the tree but is usually collected and purified to remove any bark, dust, or other contaminants. Once purified, it can be ground into a powder and used as a thickening agent in food products or dissolved in water to create a solution. Moderate consumption is advised, and it's essential to ensure the gum comes from trees that have not been treated with any harmful chemicals.

In summary, while apricot gum is a safe, natural, and nutritionally interesting food additive, the crucial lesson is vigilance. Never consume apricot kernels. For those interested in exploring the health potential of plant gums, stick to properly sourced and purified exudates like apricot gum and recognize the stark contrast between the harmless resin and the hazardous kernel. For more information on food safety and plant-based foods, consult resources from authoritative health organizations.

Precautions for Ingestion

Verify the source: Ensure the product is specifically apricot gum and not the kernel.
Look for purification: Processed apricot gum should have been purified to remove impurities.
Consume in moderation: As with any new supplement or food, start with small amounts.
Be aware of allergies: Some people may have sensitivities to tree saps.
Never ingest raw kernels: This is the most critical safety warning and cannot be overstated.

Conclusion: The Edible Sap and the Toxic Seed

In conclusion, the answer to the question "Is apricot gum edible?" is a conditional yes. The natural exudate, a polysaccharide-rich resin, can be safely consumed when properly sourced and prepared, offering potential nutritional benefits due to its fiber and antioxidant content. It is important to remember that this is a completely different substance from the apricot kernel. Apricot kernels pose a severe health risk due to their amygdalin content, which releases cyanide upon digestion. Consumers must learn to distinguish between these two parts of the apricot tree to ensure their safety and well-being. By understanding the proper context for using this natural food additive, one can safely explore its potential uses while avoiding the very real dangers associated with the toxic kernel.

https://www.anses.fr/en/content/apricot-kernels-pose-risk-cyanide-poisoning

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-issues-warning-about-toxic-amygdalin-found-apricot-seeds

Frequently Asked Questions

Apricot gum is the edible, resinous sap that naturally exudes from the apricot tree's bark, while the apricot kernel is the toxic seed found inside the apricot pit.

Apricot kernels contain a compound called amygdalin, which the body converts into cyanide, a highly poisonous substance that can cause serious illness or death.

Apricot gum is primarily used in the food industry as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It can also be processed into edible coatings to extend the shelf life of fresh produce.

Apricot gum is a source of polysaccharides, dietary fiber, protein, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It is also noted for its high antioxidant capacity due to its phenolic content.

Before consumption, apricot gum is typically purified to remove impurities like bark and dirt. It can then be ground into a powder or dissolved in water for use in food preparations.

While it is possible to harvest gum from an apricot tree, it is important to ensure the tree has not been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. It must also be purified before use.

Yes, apricot gum has good rheological properties and can serve as a cost-effective alternative to gum arabic in various food applications, including enhancing viscosity and stabilizing emulsions.