Amber Technology's Reference Center

Apricot Pits

http://www.solutions.uiuc.edu/content.cfm?series=4&item=428

Apricot pits contain small, minute amounts of cyanide. However, there should be not problem with the accidental ingestion of a pit, nor is there a problem if the pit is split and exposed to the fruit.

http://www.tricountyfarm.org/oregon_apricots.asp

Cyanogenic glycosides common in stone fruit seeds (of bitter-, not sweet-kernal cultivars), bark and leaves are found in high concentration in apricot seeds. The drug laetrile is derived from extracts of apricot seeds. A controversial therapy for cancer; a few reports of tumor regression and pain reduction. The National Cancer Institute in the USA claimed laetrile was an ineffective cancer treatment in 1980, but it is legal still in Mexico. Some still cross the border to seek laetrile therapy when other cancer treatments fail. The theory behind laetrile is this: the apricot pit extract breaks down to release CN-, but only when in contact with ß-glucuronidase, an enzyme common to tumor cells. The CN- is released preferentially at tumor sites, and kills cells.

Apricot seeds were used to treat tumors as early as AD 502. Apricot oil was used against tumors and ulcers in England in the 1600s.
The apricot was used to symbolize female genitalia just like the peach and other stone fruits. In medieval France, the word "abricot" was slang for vulva.

Seed of Central Asian and Mediterranean apricots is generally "sweet", such that seed can be used as a substitute for almonds, or crushed for almond-like cooking oil.

Information provided by the University of Georgia. www.uga.edu

http://homecooking.about.com/od/fruit/a/apricot_3.htm

Raw pits of the bitter apricot (not sweet) do contain a small amount of cyanide. However, the accidental ingestion of a single pit or the splitting of a pit to expose it to the fruit flesh should not be a problem. Ingestion of large amounts can be harmful. Fifteen raw apricot pits of some bitter varieties can kill a child. Roasting of the seeds neutralizes the cyanide threat. Having said this, there are now some varieties available with large, sweet, edible pits that are used like almonds. Roasted apricot seeds are used in confections and as a liqueur flavoring. The drug laetrile, used for some controversial cancer treatments, is derived from apricot seed extract.

Note from Amber Technology: (Amber Technology does not put enough apricot pits in the HWF to be harmful to your pet)