Tag: Bitter almond

According to plant geneticists, wild almonds contain deadly amounts of cyanide, a natural defense mechanism that makes them bitter and poisonous to consume. This means a simple question like, "can we eat forest almonds?" has a life-threatening answer for the inexperienced forager.

As much as 50% of a dried almond's weight is oil, a fact that makes it ideal for pressing into a nutrient-rich substance. Answering the question, "Is sweet almond oil made of almonds?" is a straightforward "yes," but the specific variety and process are key.

Raw bitter almonds are considered highly toxic and contain significant levels of the compound amygdalin, which can break down into poisonous cyanide upon ingestion. For those wondering what part of the bitter almond is used, the answer lies within its kernel, but only after a specialized detoxification process makes it safe for consumption and use in products like extracts and liqueurs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cyanide can act rapidly and be deadly. So, is bitter almond good for you? The short, critical answer is no, not in its raw form, and consuming it unprocessed poses a significant health risk.