Apricot Seeds: Benefits, Risks & How to Manage the Bitter Taste

Apricot seeds are a good source of Vitamin B17, also known as amygdalin. This vitamin is known to protect cells from cancer, therefore apricot seeds can be an important supplement in a healthy diet. In 2006 the Food Standards Agency advised that there was a possibility that the seeds could produce small amounts of the poison cyanide when consumed, therefore they recommend a maximum of 2 apricot kernels per day. Unfortunately amygdalin has a very bitter taste, so don't attempt to eat the seeds whole or without other food and drink that can neutralize the taste.

Things You'll Need

• 2 apricot kernels
• Grinder or nut mill
• Apple juice, smoothie or milkshake
• Soup or salad
• Spoon

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Instructions

In a Drink

• 1

  Grind the apricot seeds with a grinder or nut mill until you have a fine consistency. Grind one at a time so that you don't clog up the grinder.

• 2

  Sprinkle the powder into a glass of apple juice, a smoothie or a milkshake and stir. The recommended quantity per day is two kernels, therefore don't sprinkle more than the powder made from two seeds.

• 3

  Drink the juice while the ground-up seeds are suspended in the liquid.

With Food

• 4

  Grind the apricot seeds.

• 5

  Sprinkle the ground up seeds onto a salad, cereal or into a soup.

• 6

  Chew the seeds with a mouthful of raisins or peanuts if you aren't at home and able to prepare a dish to sprinkle them over.