This is the most common question we get — and we are glad you asked it, because the answer is more nuanced than most people realize.

Apricot kernels contain a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin (B17). When metabolized, amygdalin does release a small amount of hydrogen cyanide. However, the human body has a natural detoxification system — specifically an enzyme called rhodanese — that neutralizes these trace amounts safely and efficiently.

To put it in perspective: apple seeds, cherry pits, almonds, and even common vegetables like broccoli and spinach contain similar naturally occurring compounds. The key is dosage and gradual introduction.

This is exactly why we recommend starting with just 3 to 5 seeds per day and building slowly. At these levels, your body processes the seeds comfortably and safely. We also strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness protocol.

Yes — when consumed responsibly and in accordance with our Start Slow Protocol, our California-grown bitter apricot kernels are safe for most healthy adults.

Our seeds are:
✅ Lab tested for purity and potency
✅ Pesticide-free and grown without synthetic fertilizers
✅ Freshness verified — never sitting in a warehouse or shipping container for months

As with any potent, nutrient-dense food, we recommend starting slowly and listening to your body. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are currently undergoing treatment, please consult your doctor before starting.

We recommend following our Start Slow Protocol:

🌱 Week 1: Start with 3 to 5 seeds per day, taken with food. Space them out — morning and evening.

📈 Weeks 2 to 3: If you feel comfortable, gradually increase by 2 seeds every few days. There is no rush.

⚖️ Ongoing: Most people find their ideal daily amount falls between 10 and 20 seeds per day, spread across 2 to 3 servings.

Think of it like a long-time vegan reintroducing meat into their diet. The food itself is not the problem — your body simply needs time to remember how to process a powerful, nutrient-dense food it hasn't encountered in years. Slow and steady is the key.

At first take your apricot kernels with food. A smoothie, yogurt, or a full meal works perfectly. Once you've adjusted, you can enjoy them as a snack.

Both work great. Here are the most popular ways our customers use their seeds:

🥣 Ground into a smoothie — the most popular method. The bitter taste blends easily with banana, dates, or almond butter.

🍽️ Eaten whole with a meal — simple and effective.

🥄 Crushed and sprinkled on oatmeal, yogurt, or a salad.

🫖 Steeped as a tea — grind and steep in hot water for 10 minutes.

We do not recommend cooking them at high heat as this can degrade the nutritional compounds.

Great question. There are two types of apricot kernels:

🟤 Bitter Kernels (what we sell): These are the nutritionally active kernels. They contain significantly higher concentrations of B17 (amygdalin), healthy fats, and active enzymes. These are the kernels historically consumed by the Hunza people and used in traditional wellness protocols worldwide.

🟡 Sweet Kernels: These are milder in taste and much lower in B17 content. They are commonly used in baking and cooking but offer a fraction of the nutritional potency of bitter kernels.

NutriSeeds sells exclusively bitter kernels — because we are in the business of wellness, not snacking.

We offer three sizes to fit every lifestyle and household:

📦 8 oz — Personal Protocol
Perfect for a single person just starting their protocol. A great way to experience the seeds before committing to a larger size.

📦 16 oz — The Couple's Pack
Ideal for two people following the protocol together. Ordering together saves money and keeps you both accountable.

📦 32 oz — The Family Value Pack
Our best value. Designed for families of 4 or more, or for individuals who are committed to their long-term protocol and want to stock up without running out.

Here is a general guide based on our Start Slow Health Journey based on 5 seeds per day:

📦 8 oz (375 seeds)
1 Person (5/day): ~75 days
2 People (5/day each): ~37 days
Family of 4+ (5/day each): ~18 days

📦 16 oz (750 seeds)
1 Person (5/day): ~150 days
2 People (5/day each): ~75 days
Family of 4+ (5/day each): ~37 days

📦 32 oz (1500 seeds)
1 Person (5/day): ~300 days
2 People (5/day each): ~150 days
Family of 4+ (5/day each): ~75 days

Based on an average of 5 seeds per day per person.

Extremely fresh — and this is one of the most important differences between NutriSeeds and every other supplier on the market.

Most apricot seeds sold online have traveled a long and damaging journey before reaching you:

🚢 Processed → packed into shipping containers → sitting on the ocean for weeks → exposed to moisture and heat → held in customs → loaded onto trucks → sitting in a warehouse → finally packaged for market.

We bypass this entire cycle.

Our seeds go directly from our California processor to our climate-controlled facility. No ocean containers. No moldy transit. No middleman. You receive a crisp, potent, living seed that retains its full nutritional integrity from the moment it leaves the tree until it reaches your door.

For maximum freshness and potency:

✅ Short term (under 30 days): Store in a cool, dry place in the resealable bag they arrive in.

✅ Medium term (30 to 90 days): Store in an airtight glass jar in your pantry or refrigerator.

✅ Long term (90+ days): Store in the freezer. Apricot kernels freeze beautifully and retain their full nutritional profile for up to 12 months when frozen properly.

⚠️ Avoid: Direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. These are the enemies of freshness and will accelerate rancidity.

Fresh apricot kernels have a clean, slightly bitter, almond-like aroma. If your seeds smell musty, sour, or "off" — they have likely gone rancid and should be discarded.

This is exactly why freshness and proper storage matter so much. A rancid seed doesn't just lose its nutritional value — it can actively work against your health. Our California-direct sourcing model ensures you receive seeds at peak freshness every single time.