Apricot kernel

An apricot kernel is the apricot seed located within the fruit endocarp, which forms a hard shell around the seed called the pyrena (stone or pit).^[1][2]

Apricot kernels

Apricot stones (kernels are inside)

The kernel contains amygdalin, a poisonous compound, in concentrations that vary between cultivars. Together with the related synthetic compound laetrile, amygdalin has been marketed as an alternative cancer treatment. However, studies have found the compounds to be ineffective for treating cancer.^[3]

Use

The kernel is an economically significant byproduct of fruit processing and the extracted oil and resulting press cake have value.^[4] Apricot kernel oil gives Disaronno and some other types of amaretto their almond-like flavor.^[5] They are also used in Amaretti di Saronno.^{[citation needed]}

In Mandarin Chinese, the term xìngrén (杏仁) can refer to either apricot kernels or almonds. Two varieties of apricot kernels are used in Chinese cuisines; a more bitter northern variety and a sweeter southern one. In Cantonese cuisine the two are often mixed, while in Taiwanese cuisine, the southern variety is often mixed with peanuts.^[6]

Sweet apricot kernel milk or powdered sweet apricot kernels are used as a main ingredient in annin tofu or "almond tofu", a custard-like dessert dish from China and Japan that does not necessarily contain almonds or soy. Almonds or almond milk is often used as an alternative to apricot kernels in the recipe.^[6][7]

They contain amygdalin, which is also known as laetrile or Vitamin B17. Amygdalin is made up of three components: glucose, benzaldehyde, and cyanide. The amygdalin found in apricot seeds has been marketed as an alternative cancer treatment; however, studies have shown it to be ineffective in treating cancer.^[3]

Potential toxicity

Apricot kernels can cause potentially fatal cyanide poisoning when consumed. Symptoms include nausea, fever, headaches, insomnia, increased thirst, lethargy, nervousness, various aches and pains in joints and muscles, and a drop in blood pressure.^[8][9][10]

In 2016, the European Food Safety Authority reported that eating three small bitter apricot kernels or half of a large bitter kernel would exceed safe consumption levels of amygdalin and potentially cause cyanide poisoning.^[11] The Food Safety Authority of Ireland advises against eating either bitter or sweet varieties of apricot kernel due to the risk of cyanide poisoning and advises consumption be limited to one to two kernels a day for an adult. They also advise against consuming bitter almond for the same reasons.^[12]

In 1993, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets tested the cyanide content of two 220 gram (8 oz) packages of bitter apricot kernels imported from Pakistan that were being sold in health-food stores as a snack. The results showed that each package, if consumed entirely, contained at least double the minimum lethal dosage of cyanide for an adult human; the product was removed from stores.^[13] There was one reported case in the medical literature of cyanide toxicity from apricot kernels from 1979 to 1998 in the United States, a non-fatal poisoning by purchased apricot kernels.^[14]

References

1. Considine, Douglas M. (6 December 2012). Foods and Food Production Encyclopedia. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 776. ISBN 978-1-4684-8511-0.
2. Solomon, Eldra; Berg, Linda; Martin, Diana W. (16 February 2004). Biology. Cengage Learning. p. 679. ISBN 1-111-79434-0.
3. Milazzo S, Horneber M (2015). "Laetrile treatment for cancer". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Systematic review). 2018 (4): CD005476. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005476.pub4. PMC 6513327. PMID 25918920.
4. Galanakis, Charis M. (14 September 2019). Valorization of Fruit Processing By-products. Elsevier Science. pp. 44–. ISBN 978-0-12-817373-2.
5. Troy, Eric (September 6, 2012). "Amaretto Liqueur". Culinary Lore.
6. Crook, Steven; Hung, Katy Hui-wen (8 October 2018). A Culinary History of Taipei: Beyond Pork and Ponlai. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 66. ISBN 978-1-5381-0138-4. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
7. "Creamy Annin Tofu - Dining with the Chef - NHK WORLD - English". NHK World. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
8. "Apricot kernels don't cure cancer, and they might poison you". The Verge. 10 August 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
9. "Organic business fined for selling toxic apricot kernels". ABC News. 26 October 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
10. Akyildiz, B. N.; Kurtoğlu, S.; Kondolot, M.; Tunç, A. (1 January 2010). "Cyanide poisoning caused by ingestion of apricot seeds". Annals of Tropical Paediatrics. 30 (1): 39–43. doi:10.1179/146532810X12637745451951. PMID 20196932. S2CID 206847508.
11. "Apricot kernels pose risk of cyanide poisoning". European Food Safety Authority. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
12. "Apricot Kernels (Bitter and Sweet)". www.fsai.ie. Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
13. Imported Bitter Apricot Pits Recalled as Cyanide Hazard By DENNIS HEVESI Published: Friday, March 26, 1993 – The New York Times
14. Suchard JR, Wallace KL, Gerkin RD (December 1998). "Acute cyanide toxicity caused by apricot kernel ingestion". Ann Emerg Med. 32 (6): 742–4. doi:10.1016/S0196-0644(98)70077-0. PMID 9832674.