Tag: Dangerous plants

Over 50,000,000 people die each year globally, but death-by-apple-seed is extremely rare because the toxic compound amygdalin is locked behind a hard shell and requires large quantities to be dangerous if crushed. However, this well-known example highlights the fact that while many seeds are nutritious, some carry significant risks and should be avoided or consumed with extreme caution.

The manchineel fruit, infamously known as the 'little apple of death,' is deceptively small, typically measuring only 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) in diameter. This unassuming size, combined with its sweet smell, masks an extreme toxicity that poses a severe threat to unsuspecting humans.

According to the Food Safety Information Council, consuming as few as four or five raw kidney beans can cause severe gastrointestinal distress due to a toxic lectin. This fact highlights the critical importance of knowing **which seeds cannot we eat**, as not all seeds are created equal, and some pose genuine health risks if consumed improperly.