Tag: Cherry safety

According to the USDA, washing produce under running water is a critical step for food safety. Knowing the right way to handle these delicate stone fruits is the key to answering whether Rainier cherries are safe to eat.

Over 85,000 cases of food poisoning are reported annually from fresh produce, but in the case of cherries, the fleshy fruit is perfectly safe to eat raw and offers many health benefits. The danger lies exclusively in the pits, which contain a compound that can turn into cyanide when crushed or chewed.

Over 1.5 million metric tons of cherries are produced globally each year, but a common question lingers: are any cherries poisonous? While the sweet and tart fruit is perfectly safe, the pits, stems, and leaves of all cherries contain a natural compound that can become toxic if crushed, chewed, or ground.

Did you know that cherry pits contain a compound that can convert to cyanide? It's a critical reason to understand what part of a cherry shouldn't be eaten, ensuring you enjoy the fruit's nutritional benefits safely. For most people, the sweet, fleshy part of the cherry is a healthful addition to their diet, but the pit requires special caution.

Over 90% of cherry pit ingestion calls to poison control are unintentional, but it is critical to know **what part of the cherry you shouldn't eat** to avoid serious health risks. Cherry pits, along with the leaves and stems, contain a compound that can convert into cyanide when broken or crushed.