Which natural source is commonly associated with the presence of cyanide?

Which natural source is commonly associated with the presence of cyanide?

• A. Almonds
• B. Apples
• C. Grapes
• D. Oranges

Answer: (A)

Cyanide exposure from natural foods comes from cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide when plant tissue is damaged. Almonds contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside, and in bitter almonds the amount is enough that chewing or crushing the seeds can release hydrogen cyanide. This makes almonds the classic natural source associated with cyanide. The other fruits listed don’t carry cyanide in meaningful amounts in their edible parts, though some seeds may contain trace amounts, they’re not as strongly linked as almonds.

Cyanide exposure from natural foods comes from cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide when plant tissue is damaged. Almonds contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside, and in bitter almonds the amount is enough that chewing or crushing the seeds can release hydrogen cyanide. This makes almonds the classic natural source associated with cyanide. The other fruits listed don’t carry cyanide in meaningful amounts in their edible parts, though some seeds may contain trace amounts, they’re not as strongly linked as almonds.