In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Are pear seeds poisonous” with an in-depth analysis of whether pear seeds are poisonous or not. Moreover, we will have a brief discussion about what makes them so dangerous as well as other fruit seeds that are dangerous.
So if you are in search of an answer to are pear seeds poisonous then you need not worry as we are going to answer all your questions.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Are pear seeds poisonous?
Pear seeds are poisonous because they contain a naturally occurring poison (amygdalin). This toxin reacts with stomach enzymes and causes cyanide poisoning in the gut when consumed. This can result in stomach pain, sickness, and even death, especially in children.
What makes them so dangerous?
At doses of 0.5 to 3.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, humans are susceptible to cyanide poisoning. If the seeds are eaten with the fruit, this chemical interacts with human enzymes, causing the sugar portion of the molecule to be cut off.
Headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach muscle contractions, disorientation, cherry-red skin color, liver damage, abnormally low blood pressure, drooping upper eyelid, difficulty walking due to damaged nerves, fever, mental confusion, coma, and death are some of the symptoms of cyanide poisoning.
As little as 1.5 micrograms per kilogram of body weight can kill a person.
Other fruit seeds that are dangerous
The majority of the fruits we consume are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, poisonous seeds or pits are hidden in some of the most popular fruits.
Purdue University Extension consumer horticulture specialist B. Rosie Lerner advises that the degree of toxicity depends on several factors, including the season and the victim’s body weight.
Knowing which fruits’ seeds or pits are poisonous and preventing children and pets from swallowing them is the best course of action.
- Apples
- Cherries
- Apricot
Apples
The seeds of the apple (Malus sylvestris) contain cyanide. It is not harmful to eat the seeds of a single apple, but swallowing the seeds of several apples can be fatal. When enough cyanide is consumed, it causes nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and death.
Cherries
According to Michigan State University Extension, both wild and domesticated cherry (Prunus spp) seeds contain a cyanide compound. When you eat a lot of them, you get the same symptoms as if you eat too many apple seeds.
Apricot
Apricot pits contain the toxins cyanogenic glycoside and amygdalin, which are found in apricots (Prunus armeniaca). Nervousness, weakness, dilated pupils, convulsions, and coma are all symptoms of apricot seed poisoning. It’s possible to die if you eat a lot of the seeds.
When and how should pear seeds be harvested?
Pear seeds, like the seeds of many other fruit trees, rarely produce the same pear. This is due to the fact that pears reproduce sexually and have a large genetic variety, similar to humans.
If you sow a seed from a Bosc pear, grow the tree, and then harvest the fruit ten to twenty years later, you will not get Bosc pears. The pears could be tasteless or inedible.
If you want a Bosc pear, grafting a branch from an established Bosc pear tree is the better option. You’ll get exactly what you want in a much shorter period of time. If you’re feeling brave, you might not mind if the fruit isn’t exactly the same. You want to know when and how to harvest pear seeds in any case.
The best time to collect pear seeds is when the seeds have developed, which occurs when the pear is ripe. Pears ripen at different times throughout the summer. Some ripen early, while others ripen later.
Pick the ripe pear and eat it. Save the seeds after removing the pulp. Place the seeds on a dry paper towel for a day or two to allow them to dry out. It’s as simple as that.
Is it possible to get cyanide poisoning from eating almonds?
Almonds have cyanide in them, but not enough to make you sick. Almonds are high in fiber, vitamin E, and healthy fats. Although sweet almonds in the grocery store contain a small amount of cyanide, it is insufficient to cause poisoning. Bitter almonds, on the other hand, are poisonous and can cause cyanide poisoning.
Is it better to eat a pear or an apple?
Apples are superior to pears. They both have health benefits, though we know a lot more about apples than we do about pears. In fact, studies into the health benefits of pears are still being conducted. Pectin is a fiber found in apples and pears that feeds gut bacteria.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Are pear seeds poisonous” with an in-depth analysis of whether pear seeds are poisonous or not. Moreover, we also have a brief discussion about what makes them so dangerous as well as other fruit seeds that are dangerous.