Tag: Peach kernel

Peaches belong to the genus *Prunus*, the same botanical family as almonds, apricots, and cherries. Inside the hard, wrinkled pit of a peach lies a single, almond-shaped seed, which is also known as a kernel or noyau. While these kernels are the source of certain flavor extracts, they contain a compound that makes them potentially toxic if consumed raw in large quantities.

According to the National Institute of Health, 100 grams of moist peach seed can contain 88 mg of cyanide, confirming that it is not safe to eat these pits. This article will explore why you should never eat peach pits, the toxic compounds they contain, and the potentially fatal risks of doing so.

An estimated 13 to 15 raw peach seed kernels can deliver a lethal dose of cyanide to an adult, making the popular notion of eating them a grave risk. While the sweet flesh of a peach is a safe and healthy treat, the seed kernel hidden within the hard pit is not.