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Don’t Chew or Crush Pits: The primary danger comes from chewing or crushing the pits, which releases the amygdalin. Swallowing a whole, intact cherry pit accidentally is generally less risky, as it will likely pass through your digestive system undigested. However, it’s still best to avoid swallowing them.
Small Amounts are Risky: While a single pit might not contain enough cyanide to be lethal to an adult, consuming several crushed pits, especially for children or pets, could be very dangerous. The exact lethal dose is difficult to determine, as it depends on various factors, including body weight and individual sensitivity.
Heat Doesn’t Always Help: Cooking or boiling the pits might reduce some of the cyanide content, but it’s not a reliable way to make them safe. It’s always best to remove the pits before consuming the cherries or using them in recipes.
Pets are Also at Risk: Keep cherry pits away from pets, especially dogs, who might chew on them.
Safe Enjoyment of Cherries:
Pit Removal: Always pit cherries before eating them, especially if you’re giving them to children. A cherry pitter is a useful tool for this.
Discard Pits Safely: Dispose of cherry pits where children and pets cannot access them.
When in Doubt, Don’t Consume: If you’re making jams, pies, or other cherry dishes, ensure all pits are removed.
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