What Happens if You Eat a Chokecherry Pit? A Guide to Cyanide Risks

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Chokecherries, like other stone fruits, contain a natural compound called amygdalin in their pits that can become poisonous cyanide when metabolized. Knowing what happens if you eat a chokecherry pit is crucial, as the outcome depends heavily on whether the pit was crushed or swallowed whole.

Quick Summary

Ingesting a whole chokecherry pit is unlikely to cause cyanide toxicity but may pose a choking or obstruction risk; crushed pits can release dangerous cyanide.

Key Points

Amygdalin Content: Chokecherry pits contain amygdalin, a compound that can produce poisonous cyanide when processed by the body.
Whole Pit Safety: Swallowing a whole, uncrushed pit is generally safe as the hard outer shell prevents the release of toxins and it passes through the body undigested.
Crushed Pit Danger: Chewing or crushing a chokecherry pit releases amygdalin, converting it into harmful cyanide in the body.
Poisoning Symptoms: Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures, and respiratory failure.
Immediate Action: If crushed pits are ingested or symptoms appear, contact Poison Control or emergency services immediately.
Safe Preparation: Cooking the berries effectively neutralizes the toxic compounds, making them safe for jams, jellies, and other cooked recipes.

Understanding the Risk: Amygdalin and Cyanide

The danger in consuming chokecherry pits stems from a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin, which is a type of cyanogenic glycoside. This chemical is not inherently harmful on its own. The problem arises when the hard, protective shell of the pit is broken, crushed, or chewed, exposing the seed, or kernel, inside. When amygdalin comes into contact with the body's digestive enzymes, it is converted into hydrogen cyanide, a highly toxic and potentially lethal substance. Cyanide works by interfering with the body's ability to use oxygen at the cellular level, which can damage vital organs such as the heart and brain.

The Critical Difference: Whole vs. Crushed Pits

When a chokecherry pit is swallowed whole, its robust, hard exterior typically remains intact as it passes through the digestive tract. The body cannot break down the pit's outer layer, so the toxic amygdalin remains safely encapsulated inside the kernel and is excreted without harm. The main risk in this scenario, particularly for children, is the choking hazard posed by the small, smooth object. In rare cases, ingesting a large number of pits could lead to a physical intestinal blockage.

In contrast, if a pit is chewed or crushed—for example, by blending whole cherries into a smoothie or intentionally chewing the pit—the amygdalin is released. This allows the compound to interact with enzymes in the saliva and gut, initiating the conversion to cyanide. While the concentration of cyanide in a single pit is low, consuming several crushed pits can lead to cyanide toxicity, with the severity depending on the amount ingested and the person's body weight. Children are particularly vulnerable to poisoning due to their smaller body mass.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can manifest quickly and require immediate medical attention. The signs can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions. Early symptoms often include:

Headache
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid breathing and heart rate
Weakness

More severe symptoms can progress to:

Seizures or convulsions
Confusion and anxiety
Difficulty breathing
Loss of consciousness or coma
Cardiac arrest

It is vital to be aware that cyanide poisoning from fruit pits is rare, but if symptoms appear after ingesting crushed pits, it is a medical emergency.

What to Do If You Eat a Chokecherry Pit

Assess the situation. Was the pit swallowed whole or was it chewed/crushed? How many pits were ingested? This information is critical for medical professionals.
Contact Poison Control immediately. If you suspect that a crushed pit has been consumed, or if any symptoms of poisoning appear, call a poison control center right away for expert guidance. You can also use online tools provided by poison control centers. For severe symptoms, call emergency services.
Drink water or milk. If an intact pit was swallowed, drinking a glass of water or milk can help it pass through the system. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice if symptoms arise.
Monitor for symptoms. Observe the individual for any changes in their condition and be prepared to provide medical history and details of the incident.

The Edible Parts of the Chokecherry

Fortunately, the flesh of the chokecherry berry is safe to eat and rich in antioxidants. Traditional preparation methods for chokecherries, such as making jams, jellies, or syrups, involve cooking the berries thoroughly. Cooking and drying effectively destroy the cyanogenic compounds in the pits, leaves, and bark. When preparing chokecherries for consumption, it's safest to remove the pits first, or to cook and strain the mixture to separate the pits.

Swallowing Whole vs. Chewing Pits: A Comparison


Aspect	Swallowing Whole Pit	Chewing or Crushing Pit
Cyanide Risk	Extremely low to none.	High risk, as amygdalin is converted to cyanide.
Mechanism of Risk	Hard shell prevents release of toxins.	Enzymes react with released amygdalin to produce cyanide.
Primary Danger	Choking hazard, especially for children.	Cyanide poisoning, potentially fatal in large quantities.
Gastrointestinal Impact	Passes harmlessly through the system. Potential for intestinal blockage with multiple pits.	Gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting.
Action Required	Monitor for choking or blockage symptoms.	Seek immediate medical attention via Poison Control.

Conclusion

While consuming the flesh of chokecherries is safe and nutritious, it's important to remember that their pits contain amygdalin, which can become toxic cyanide. Swallowing an intact pit is unlikely to cause poisoning, but chewing or crushing it can be dangerous. Proper preparation, such as cooking and removing the pits, is the safest way to enjoy these berries. If you or someone you know has ingested a crushed pit, especially with symptoms, contact Poison Control immediately for guidance. Your safety is the priority. For additional information on poison safety, visit Poison Control.

Frequently Asked Questions

The poisonous substance is hydrogen cyanide, which is produced when a compound called amygdalin, found in the kernel of the pit, is released and metabolized by the body's enzymes.

Swallowing an intact, whole chokecherry pit is generally not a cause for alarm. The pit's hard casing will prevent the release of toxins, and it will pass through your digestive system harmlessly. However, monitor for choking in small children.

When making jams, jellies, or other cooked recipes, the berries should be gently crushed and the pits strained out. The cooking process also helps break down the toxic compounds, making the flesh and juice safe for consumption.

There is no definitive safe number, as the amount of amygdalin varies. However, even a small quantity of crushed pits can pose a risk, especially for children. It is always best to avoid consuming crushed pits entirely.

Yes, ingesting a sufficient quantity of crushed chokecherry pits can lead to severe cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. The bitter taste of the pits, however, makes it difficult to consume large amounts accidentally.

Symptoms can appear within minutes to a few hours, depending on the dose and the individual. This rapid onset is why immediate medical attention is necessary if a crushed pit is ingested and symptoms develop.

Yes, many other stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots, also contain amygdalin in their pits. The same precautions regarding not chewing or crushing the pits apply to all these fruits.