An apricot nut, often referred to as the apricot kernel or apricot pit, is the seed found inside the pit of an apricot fruit. While the flesh of the apricot is sweet and juicy, the nut inside is hard, slightly bitter, and often overlooked in culinary contexts. However, it has its own unique flavor and uses, both in cooking and in traditional medicine.
The flavor of an apricot nut or kernel can be described as bitter or almond-like. This bitterness comes from the presence of amygdalin, a compound that is found in the seeds of many stone fruits, including apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums. While the bitterness can be off-putting to some, it is also what makes the apricot nut similar in taste to almonds, and it is sometimes used in flavored liqueurs and confections.
