wild almonds
Cyanide-bearing tree nuts
Wild almonds are the uncultivated ancestors of domesticated almonds, native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean.
Unlike the sweet almonds sold commercially, wild almonds contain amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when eaten—a few dozen can be lethal.
Ancient farmers selectively bred the rare non-bitter variants, eventually producing the safe almonds we eat today.
Toxic carbon-nitrogen compound
- hydrogen cyanideToxic HCN compound
- poisonousCapable of causing death
- lethalCausing or capable of death
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
unpalatable · detoxification · antinutrients · bitter taste · hazardous · fatal · toxins · antidote
Sheds foliage seasonally
- shrublandBush-dominated vegetation zone
- woodlandForested land area
- germinationSeed's initial growth phase
- pollinationFlower reproductive transfer
seed dispersal · perennial · drupe · kernel · hull · shell · stone fruit · rosaceae
Bring or come together
- harvestGathering mature crops
- collectBring items together
- pickPointed breaking tool
- browseSurvey without intent
scavenge · search · subsistence · sustenance · nourishment · seasonal · hunter-gatherer · provision
Controlled reproduction for traits
- genetic variationInherited molecular differences
- cultivarBred plant variety
- mutationPermanent DNA alteration
- plant breedingDeveloping improved crop varieties
cyanide
Toxic carbon-nitrogen compound
- hydrogen cyanideToxic HCN compound
- poisonousCapable of causing death
- lethalCausing or capable of death
bitterness · unpalatable · detoxification · antinutrients · bitter taste · hazardous · fatal · toxins · antidote
deciduous
Sheds foliage seasonally
- shrublandBush-dominated vegetation zone
- woodlandForested land area
- germinationSeed's initial growth phase
pollination · seed dispersal · perennial · drupe · kernel · hull · shell · stone fruit · rosaceae · Mediterranean
gather
Bring or come together
browse · scavenge · search · subsistence · sustenance · nourishment · seasonal · hunter-gatherer · provision · traditional use
selective breeding
Controlled reproduction for traits
- genetic variationInherited molecular differences
- cultivarBred plant variety
- mutationPermanent DNA alteration