Impact of particle size on HCN detoxification in wild apricot kernels

Wild apricot kernels are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats but are high in amygdalin, which hydrolyzes to produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a toxic substance. This study aimed to reduce HCN levels in wild apricot kernels by soaking at different kernel sizes (0.34 mm to 11.66 mm) and soaking times (0.34 h to 11.66 h) under controlled conditions. The soaking was conducted at 30 ± 2°C with water replacement every hour and a water-to-kernel ratio of 10:1. Breaking the kernels into smaller sizes (7.88 mm), soaking for 10 h, reduced HCN levels to 36.13 mg/100 g but retaining high nutritional content (21.16% protein, 47.75% fat, and 21.22% carbohydrates) and yield (96.45%). The optimization of these conditions was performed using Design Expert software, which effectively minimized hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels while maximizing the nutritional content.