Is the Avocado Seed Poisonous?

In many recipes for trendy green smoothies – but not in our avocado smoothie recipe – there is a note that the avocado stone can also be used. It is said to provide additional antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. Like the fruit and other parts of the avocado plant, the pit contains the toxin persin—even in elevated concentrations. Due to the bitter taste, you should only consume the avocado seed in very small quantities. The added value of processing the core is also questionable, especially since its hard shell requires an extremely powerful blender.

Regardless of whether it is the avocado seed or another part of the plant: the laurel plant is generally poisonous for pets. In the worst case, poisoning with persin can be fatal for dogs, cats, and especially ornamental birds.