Cherry Pits, Cyanide In Fruits, Stone Fruit, Cherry Pit Safety, Digestive System

While cherries are a tasty treat, swallowing the pit can pose serious risks. Discover what happens to your body if you accidentally ingest a cherry pit and how to stay safe.

Cherries are one of the most beloved fruits worldwide, enjoyed in everything from fresh snacks to desserts. However, a hidden danger lurks within the pit of this sweet fruit. While we often swallow small things like fruit seeds or chewing gum without much thought, swallowing a cherry pit can lead to more serious concerns than you might realise. But don’t worry; we’ve got all the details about what happens when a cherry pit enters your digestive system and how you can avoid the potential hazards.

What Happens When You Swallow a Cherry Pit?

Our digestive system is a marvel of efficiency, designed to break down most foods with ease. But when it comes to swallowing something like a cherry pit, the process becomes a little more complicated. Here’s what happens when you accidentally swallow that pit:

1. The Digestive Journey
   When you swallow food, it travels down your throat and into your stomach, where digestive juices break it down. The enzymes in your saliva start the process as food moves through your esophagus and into the stomach. Once there, bile from the liver further helps to break the food down. However, cherry pits are indigestible due to their tough outer shell, so they remain whole and unaffected by digestive enzymes.
2. Passing Through the System
   Despite not being broken down by the digestive system, the pit will eventually be pushed through to the intestines, where it’s recognised as something the body doesn’t need. It’s then excreted, usually without causing any long-term damage. This process is similar to how other hard-to-digest items, like corn kernels or certain seeds, are processed.
3. Potential for Discomfort
   Swallowing a cherry pit might not cause immediate discomfort, but in some cases, it could lead to mild indigestion or a feeling of fullness. If you have a pre-existing stomach condition, you might experience some discomfort, but the pit should eventually pass through the system without serious issues.

The Risk of Cyanide in Cherry Pits

While the pit itself isn’t broken down by your digestive system, there’s more to worry about inside. Cherry pits, like those from other stone fruits such as peaches, apricots, and mangoes, contain a compound called cyanide. Cyanide is highly toxic and can interfere with your body’s ability to process oxygen, which could lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and weakness.

1. What is Cyanide?
   Cyanide, often in the form of hydrogen cyanide, is a deadly substance found in the seeds of stone fruits. It binds with the natural sugars in these fruits and can cause serious health issues when consumed in large quantities. While ingesting a single cherry pit may not immediately result in cyanide poisoning, it’s still important to be aware of the risks, especially if you consume multiple pits or swallow seeds from other stone fruits.
2. How Does Cyanide Affect the Body?
   When cyanide enters the bloodstream, it prevents your cells from using oxygen, which is crucial for their proper functioning. Without oxygen, your organs could shut down. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and weakness, but if you seek medical attention quickly, it is treatable.
3. What Can You Do in Case of Cyanide Poisoning?
   If you suspect you’ve ingested a dangerous amount of cyanide, such as by swallowing multiple pits, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. There is an antidote called hydroxocobalamin, which can neutralise cyanide and allow your body to safely process and eliminate the toxin.

Other Foods That Contain Cyanide

While cherry pits are the most well-known source of cyanide in stone fruits, there are other foods that can also contain this toxic substance:

• Lima beans, cassava roots, and bamboo shoots all contain cyanogenic compounds that need to be cooked thoroughly before consumption.
• Apple seeds also contain cyanide, although the quantity is generally too small to be harmful unless consumed in large amounts.
• Bitter apricot pits are known to have the highest concentration of cyanide among stone fruits, so it’s crucial to avoid consuming them.

Precautions to Take When Eating Cherries

The good news is that avoiding the dangers of cherry pits is easy, as long as you follow a few simple precautions:

• Spit out the pits! While it might seem trivial, always make sure to spit out the pits when enjoying cherries. Keep a small dish or trash can nearby to make it easier.
• Avoid chewing pits. The shell of the pit is indigestible, but chewing or swallowing them could pose a choking hazard or cause cyanide ingestion if the seeds inside are crushed.
• Be cautious with pets. Some animals can be harmed by swallowing cherry pits, so always ensure that your pets don’t get access to them.

Fun Facts About Cherries

Now that we’ve covered the risks, let’s take a moment to appreciate cherries for their sweet taste and historical significance:

• Cherries have been eaten since the Stone Age, with fossilised cherry pits discovered in caves across Asia and Europe.
• There are over 1,000 varieties of cherries, with sweet and tart varieties being the most popular.
• The world’s largest producer of cherries is Turkey, which produces around 335,000 tons annually.
• Traverse City, Michigan is home to the annual National Cherry Festival, celebrating all things cherry with contests and cherry-themed foods.

Did you know that Canada holds the record for baking the largest cherry pie in the world, weighing nearly 40,000 pounds?