391930 Sun Apr 15 10:58:08 -0700 2007 6 36 Spirits 0 2482785 OK, I've read various things about loquat seeds being toxic in a similar way to apricot kernels... and I also see instructions around the web for making vodka infusions or jams using the kernels, for an almondy result. How safe is it, relatively, to infuse sliced loquat and seeds in vodka for a week? Sun Apr 15 10:58:08 -0700 2007 40486 Cinnamon 1 2483409 Apricot kernels are the key ingredient in Amaretto. Sun Apr 15 15:04:37 -0700 2007 2482785 10996 JK Grence the Cosmic Jester 1 2483422 The seeds of both fruits contain trace amounts of cyanide. This sounds bad, but you would have to consume an enormous amount to do yourself any harm. Sun Apr 15 15:12:00 -0700 2007 2482785 11995 pikawicca 2 2483463 Not really an enormous amount. A handful would be dangerous to a child.There was a post on this s few months ago and I think I listed the full info. on the amounts that can dangerous / deadly. Sun Apr 15 15:27:15 -0700 2007 2483422 10732 JMF 3 3401710 Actually the cyanide in Apricot kernels is not free. It needs to bind with a specific enzyme in the body for this to happen... Healthy cells do not contain this enzyme, however cancerous ones do, which is why laetrile (the medicinal component) is used in other countries as a cancer therapy. Its illegal in the states cuz apparently it would cut into the Cancer Industry/Pharmaceutical company profits! Also, its a good idea not to just eat the pits, but to consume the whole fruit which provides protection as well. Fri Feb 15 12:43:11 -0800 2008 2483463 20110 somechick 2 3411846 Similarly, I believe Apple Seeds and Peach Seeds contain cyanide as well. Cyanide is a pretty simple organic molecule so I would bet that many seeds have them. Tue Feb 19 00:47:30 -0800 2008 2483422 154307 Xaga 1 3412105 I can't comment on infusing vodka with apricot kernels, but here is some general information I've gathered in my own search for answers: For a while, alternative health experts recommended that all cancer patients consume 15-20 apricot kernels a day. However, following one or two cases of cyanide poisoning resulting from overconsumption of kernels (I can't remember the numbers exactly, but it was more than 20 kernels!) health experts altered this to a recommendation of 2 kernels a day, maximum. However, kernels are still used in cooking, especially French (google 'noyau'). Some recipes recommend toasting them in a medium oven for 8 minutes to 'denature' the cyanide, but I have found this also kills their delicate flavour! So I cook with the kernels in small doses, and have had no problems. Tue Feb 19 06:19:52 -0800 2008 2482785 10431 Gooseberry