Tag: Plum pits

Over a dozen varieties of stone fruit, including plums, contain compounds within their seeds that can release cyanide when chewed or crushed. While accidental swallowing of a whole plum seed is unlikely to cause immediate harm, consuming a broken or ground one poses a real risk of cyanide poisoning.

Plum pits contain a compound called amygdalin, which can break down into toxic hydrogen cyanide when chewed or crushed. Due to this risk, the simple answer to 'Can you eat the seeds in plums?' is no, and here is why you should avoid it.

According to the Missouri Poison Center, the seeds of stone fruits, including plums, contain poisonous cyanide compounds. While accidentally swallowing a whole plum pit is unlikely to cause harm, chewing or crushing the seed inside can be dangerous. This article explores the risks, symptoms, and safety precautions related to plum seeds.