Apricot is a type of drupe, a fleshly fruit containing thin skin and a tough central shell with seed. Its seed is known as the apricot kernel which is found inside the hard stone shell of the apricot pit. Before you buy apricot kernels, first understand the two major types: bitter and sweet. They come with varying degrees of amygdalin (a chemical compound known to treat cancer) and the bitter apricot kernel is considered more dangerous because of its high cyanide content.
Varieties
Over 50 varieties of apricots are available in different sizes and colors. Generally, the bitter apricot kernels come from varieties featuring orange and dark yellow skins, and smaller sizes. On the other hand, sweet kernels are usually derived from the larger fruits in white color. Some of the varieties that are known to have sweet kernels include:
• Hunza Apricots
• Stark’s Sweetheart Apricot
• Robada Apricots
• Chinese Apricots
• Canadian White Blenheim Apricots
• Zard Apricots
• Shekar Pareh Apricots
• Montrose Apricots
Some varieties like the Harcot Apricots are said to be both sweet and bitter.
Shopping for Apricot Kernels
It is not easy to distinguish between sweet and bitter apricot kernels by their mere looks. Before you make a purchasing decision, first ask what varieties are on sale. Packaged products in most conventional groceries are hardly labeled ‘bitter’ or ‘sweet.’ The difference between bitter and sweet kernels is the cyanide level. Avoid bitter kernels by asking the retailer what they are selling. Or you can taste the fruits on offer because the taste never lies. A single bite cannot harm you even if it contains cyanide. If it is not bitter, then it is most likely sweet and safer. If you are in a hurry, check the skin color. Bitter kernels are usually pale white and almost resemble the almond. And of course, they are bitter.
is not easy to distinguish between sweet and bitter apricot kernels by their mere looks. Before you make a purchasing decision, first ask what varieties are on sale. Packaged products in most conventional groceries are hardly labeled ‘bitter’ or ‘sweet.’ The difference between bitter and sweet kernels is the cyanide level. Avoid bitter kernels by asking the retailer what they are selling. Or you can taste the fruits on offer because the taste never lies. A single bite cannot harm you even if it contains cyanide. If it is not bitter, then it is most likely sweet and safer. If you are in a hurry, check the skin color. Bitter kernels are usually pale white and almost resemble the almond. And of course, they are bitter.
The Labels
Be careful of bitter apricot kernels that are packaged as dried almond seeds, Amads Séchées, or amande seche. This incorrect labeling may also happen due to dialect translation issues. For instance, ‘amande’ means pit or kernel in French. Whereas, the words for almond and apricot pit may be used interchangeably in Chinese. Some exporters are non-native English speakers and so they misinterpret the local names of the apricot kernels. In other instances, sweet apricot kernels can bear the label of ‘south’ almonds and the bitter kernels ‘north’ almonds.
As you can see, the only sure bet to buy apricot kernels that are safe for health is by tasting them first. The taste ranges from slightly sweet to extremely bitter. A strong bitter apricot is the ultimate warning sign. If you find the sweet one, go on and make jams or use the kernel for medicinal purposes.