Tag: Chokecherry pits

Indigenous peoples in North America have harvested chokecherries for thousands of years, historically relying on them for nutrition in foods like pemmican. However, the modern forager must approach this wild fruit with caution, as certain parts of the plant contain a form of cyanide.

Historically, Native American tribes used chokecherries in their diets, but traditional preparation methods were key to safety. The question, 'Are chokecherry pits safe to eat?', is a serious one, as the seeds contain compounds that can release poisonous hydrogen cyanide if crushed.