Can I eat English laurel berries? | EatWeirdThings.com

Can I eat English laurel berries?

Quick Answer

No

English laurel berries are not safe to eat. They contain cyanogenic glycosides which can cause serious health problems if ingested.

Illustration of moldy bread

What Is It?

English laurel, also known as Cherry Laurel, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree. It produces small black berries that contain cyanogenic glycosides.

Why It Can Be Risky

Eating English laurel berries poses several health risks due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • In severe cases, it can lead to death