The origin of cyanide content in bitter almonds is via the of amygdalin | amara are always bitter, as are the kernels from other species of genus Prunus, such as apricot, peach and cherry although to a lesser extent |
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The fruits from Prunus dulcis var | 2013 19 September : 610648 |
The genetic basis for bitterness involves a single gene, the bitter flavor furthermore being , both aspects making this trait easier to domesticate.
14Extract of bitter almond was once used medicinally but even in small doses, effects are severe or lethal, especially in children; the cyanide must be removed before consumption | The US reported in 2010 that some fractions of imported sweet almonds were contaminated with bitter almonds |
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"Use of recessive homozygous genotypes to assess genetic control of kernel bitterness in almond" | Bitter almonds may yield 4—9 mg of per almond and contain 42 times higher amounts of cyanide than the trace levels found in sweet almonds |
Shragg TA, Albertson TE, Fisher CJ January 1982.