Cherry Pits: Fascinating Facts from the Orchard
December 11, 2025
When you think of cherries, you probably picture that sweet burst of flavour, the rich ruby colour, and the joy of sharing a bowl during summer. But there’s one tiny part of the fruit that often gets overlooked - the cherry pit.
At Yarra Valley Cherries, we spend months growing, nurturing and harvesting our fruit, so we’ve come to appreciate every part of the cherry, pits included. Here are some interesting things you may not know about those little stones at the centre of each cherry.
1. The pit is actually a seed
A cherry pit isn’t just a hard core - it’s the seed of the cherry, encased inside a tough outer shell called the endocarp. Inside that shell sits a tiny embryo capable of growing into a cherry tree (if conditions are right!).
2. Not all cherry pits will grow into cherry trees
Cherry varieties don’t always grow “true to type.” If you plant a pit from your favourite cherry, the tree that grows may not produce the same fruit - it often results in a completely different variety due to cross-pollination.
That’s why commercial cherry orchards, including ours, use grafting rather than pits to grow new trees.
3. Cherry pits contain natural oils
Cherry pits hold small amounts of natural oil, which can be extracted and used in beauty and skincare products. Though not commonly produced at commercial scale, cherry kernel oil is known for being gentle, lightweight and moisturising.
4. Cherry pits have been used for centuries in crafts and homewares
Historically, cherry pits were used as stuffing for heat packs, pillows, and toys because they’re:
- lightweight
- durable
- able to retain warmth when heated
- washable and reusable
Some artisan makers still produce cherry pit heat bags, which mould beautifully to the body and give off a natural, earthy warmth.
5. Cherry pits should not be eaten
Cherry pits contain a compound called amygdalin, which can convert into small amounts of cyanide when crushed or chewed. Accidentally swallowing one whole is completely safe — your body won’t break it down - but it’s best not to chew or consume the cores intentionally.
6. They play an important role in protecting the fruit
The hard pit protects the seed during the cherry’s growth. As the fruit ripens, the flesh forms around it, helping the seed stay safe until the fruit naturally falls - a clever bit of nature’s design.
7. Cherry pits can be composted (with care)
Cherry pits take a long time to break down, but they can be composted as long as they’re hot-composted or crushed to help the process along. Once they decompose, they add carbon-rich material to your soil.
8. Pits differ between cherry varieties
Some varieties have slightly larger or rounder pits, and others have more elongated ones. Their size often reflects the fruit: larger varieties typically carry larger pits.
9. Pits influence some aspects of cherry grading
When we talk about size and firmness in our premium fruit, part of that structure comes from the development of the pit. A well-formed pit generally indicates healthy fruit development.
10. Every pit tells a story
Each pit represents a season of growth - chilly winters, careful pruning, flowering, pollination, sunshine, and the final rush of ripening. While pits may be tiny, they’re a reminder of the incredible cycle behind every cherry you enjoy.
A Final Thought from the Orchard
While cherry pits are small, their role is surprisingly big. From protecting the seed to influencing fruit quality, they’re an essential part of every cherry we grow.
If you’d like more deep dives into cherries - from varieties to sustainability to harvest stories - we’re always happy to share more from behind the scenes at Yarra Valley Cherries. 🍒