When seeds are crushed or chewed, these compounds can potentially release cyanide.
That sounds frightening, but the presence of a cyanide-forming compound doesn’t mean accidentally swallowing an apple seed is automatically dangerous.
The amount matters enormously.
Occasionally swallowing a whole apple seed is generally not a reason to panic. Whole seeds are also less likely to release their contents because their outer coating can pass through the digestive system relatively intact.
The concern is much greater with deliberately consuming large quantities of crushed or chewed seeds.
What About Cherry Pits?
Cherry pits, along with the pits of some other stone fruits, also contain cyanogenic compounds.
The pit itself is hard and is not normally eaten.
The safest approach is simple: don’t chew or intentionally consume cherry pits.
Accidentally swallowing a pit should be handled differently from deliberately eating crushed pits. If someone has swallowed a large quantity or is experiencing
