Be extremely careful,
Many stone fruit have cyanide and other poison in them , it change by variety , kernel is used all over Europe , and Middle east if you really want to know coming from a family which used to make alcohol from them , the old timer used to feed the chicken and Dog , if they were still standing 2 days later they would use them...
Many people do use them , they have medicinal properties , I would not touch them with a 10 foot pole , I have seen first hand what a man look like after a drinking binge on them , unable to do anything productive.
Make some homemade almond extract to use in jams, frangipane, whipped cream, cakes, ice cream, etc.: http://www.ciaosamin.com/2013/06/something-out-of-nothing-homemade.html
This recipe actually uses cherry pits as well as cherries to infuse the base for frozen yogurt -- pretty cool! https://food52.com/recipes/373-sour-cherry-almond-frozen-yogurt
I am so happy to see you asking this question! The internal almond looking kernel inside all stone fruit pits is not poisonous unless you plan on eating one ton of them. These kernels are sold all over the world, in various cultures, and used for everything from making almond extract, to cancer and AIDS fighting drugs, to infusing ice cream, amaretti, frangipane, and soap. More info about how to make ice cream with them here:
I have been using stone fruit pits and the kernels for 20 years and I wish more people would too. Two of my most favorite jam makers, June Taylor and Sally Schmidt, both in Northern California, use apricot kernels in their apricot jam, and now I do too. They offer a great texture, aroma and flavor to an already exquisite preparation. Get you hammer and tea towel out and have delicious fun!
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Many stone fruit have cyanide and other poison in them , it change by variety , kernel is used all over Europe , and Middle east if you really want to know coming from a family which used to make alcohol from them , the old timer used to feed the chicken and Dog , if they were still standing 2 days later they would use them...
Many people do use them , they have medicinal properties , I would not touch them with a 10 foot pole , I have seen first hand what a man look like after a drinking binge on them , unable to do anything productive.
Voted the Best Reply!
http://eggbeater.typepad.com/shuna/2008/05/cherry-pits-poi.html
I have been using stone fruit pits and the kernels for 20 years and I wish more people would too. Two of my most favorite jam makers, June Taylor and Sally Schmidt, both in Northern California, use apricot kernels in their apricot jam, and now I do too. They offer a great texture, aroma and flavor to an already exquisite preparation. Get you hammer and tea towel out and have delicious fun!