Cherry Pits

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Quick Facts About Cherry Pits

Do Cherry Pits Have Cyanide?

Yes, cherry pits contain a small amount of cyanide, but it’s not as alarming as it sounds. The toxic compound in question is amygdalin, a naturally occurring substance known as a cyanogenic glycoside. When the pit is broken, amygdalin can convert into hydrogen cyanide, a toxic chemical. However, the amount released is typically very small and not likely to cause harm in casual or accidental exposures.

Fortunately, the amygdalin is protected inside the hard outer shell of the pit (also called the stone or kernel), which is difficult to break with the teeth. As long as the pit remains intact, it will pass through the digestive system without releasing toxins.

What Happens If You Swallow a Cherry Pit?

Swallowing a cherry pit is rarely dangerous. If someone accidentally swallows the pit, it will pass through the system intact and come out in the stool. Cyanide is released only if the pit has been crushed or chewed. This is very unlikely while eating fresh cherries because the pit is too hard to be broken open. It poses a greater risk as a choking hazard.

However, swallowing multiple pits at once—especially in young children—could lead to a mechanical issue like intestinal blockage, which may cause pain, nausea, or constipation and could require medical care.

Are Cherry Pits Toxic?

Cherry pits are only toxic if they are crushed, chewed, or ground, which releases the cyanide-producing compounds. The concentration of the toxin is so low that the amount available in a normal serving does not usually pose a risk for toxicity. The amount of cyanide in each cherry pit varies widely, so it is difficult to determine exactly how many are too many. 

Cyanide toxicity is NOT expected from accidentally swallowing a few cherry pits, so symptoms are very rare. There’s no clear number of pits that lead to toxicity because cyanide levels vary depending on the type of cherry, ripeness, and pit size. Isolated cases of illness from cherry pits are extremely uncommon.

High-Speed Blenders and Smoothies

In rare instances—like if cherry pits are accidentally blended into a smoothie using a high-speed blender—some of the pits may be pulverized and release small amounts of cyanide. While the amount is typically not enough to cause illness, it’s still wise to remove pits before blending. If you suspect pit fragments were blended into a drink, call the poison center for guidance.

Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning

Cyanide poisoning from cherry pits is extremely rare, but it helps to know what symptoms to watch for—especially in situations involving crushed or chewed pits.

Mild symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:

• Headache
  
• Dizziness
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Anxiety

Severe symptoms (in large or concentrated exposures) include:

• Rapid heart rate
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Seizures
  
• Loss of consciousness or coma
  
• Respiratory failure
  

These symptoms are more likely to occur from exposure to high levels of industrial cyanide or deliberate ingestion of crushed seeds—not from accidentally swallowing one or two cherry pits.

Do Other Stone Fruit Pits Contain Cyanide?

Yes, many fruits in the stone fruit family contain similar compounds in their pits. These include:

• Peaches
  
• Plums
  
• Nectarines
  
• Apricots
  
• Mangoes
  

Like cherries, these fruits are safe to eat, but the pits should not be chewed or blended. The cyanide-containing compounds are only released when the pit is broken open. As a general rule, always remove pits before blending or juicing stone fruits.

What To Do If Someone Swallows a Cherry Pit

If you find someone has swallowed a cherry pit(s), do not panic. Wipe or rinse out the mouth and give them some water to drink. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.

Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.