When Do Ginkgo Fruits Ripen? An Introduction to the Ripening Time

Ginkgo fruit, also known as white nut, is the mature fruit produced by the ginkgo tree. Its appearance is similar to that of a pistachio, and it has high nutritional value. Many people like to pick some and take them home to eat, so when do ginkgo fruits ripen?

1. When do ginkgo fruits ripen?

Ginkgo fruits generally ripen from mid-September to early October. When ripe, the skin color changes from green to yellow and from hard to soft, and at this point they can be picked and eaten. It should be noted here that if the ginkgo fruit is from an ornamental tree, then it should not be eaten, to avoid reducing its ornamental value.

2. What is the maximum number of ginkgo fruits to eat in a day?

Adults should eat no more than 10 per day. Children should eat no more than 5. Infants must not take them. Absolutely do not eat them raw; eating them raw is much more toxic than eating them cooked. They can be boiled or stir-fried, and have effects such as eliminating phlegm, relieving cough, moistening the lungs, and calming asthma. Ginkgo contains hydrocyanic acid toxin, which is highly toxic; its toxicity decreases after exposure to heat, so eating them raw is more likely to cause poisoning. The usual poisoning dose is 10-50 pieces, and symptoms of poisoning occur 1-12 hours after eating ginkgo. To prevent ginkgo poisoning, it is advisable not to eat too many and especially not to eat ginkgo raw.

Overall, ginkgo fruits generally ripen around mid-September to early October, but if you do not know whether they are ripe, you can check whether the skin color has turned yellow, or whether it has become soft. If so, it means they are ripe and can be picked and eaten.