What Is Bai Guo (Ginkgo Nut)? One Article Explains the Six Major Differences Between It and Pistachios
Bai Guo, also called ginkgo nut or Buddha's fingernail, is the seed kernel of the ginkgo tree, combining both food and medicinal uses. Because of its high nutritional value and low price, it is deeply loved by people, but since it looks quite similar to pistachios, many people mistake them for the same thing, so what is Bai Guo? What is the difference between it and pistachios?
1. What Is Bai Guo?
1. Bai Guo is the dried mature seed of the ginkgo plant, a species in the order Ginkgoales, family Ginkgoaceae, genus Ginkgo. Also known as Gongson tree seed, duck-foot seed, or Buddha's finger citrus, it is overall yellow-white or egg-yolk brown and oval-shaped, with a smooth, hard surface and 2 to 3 ridge lines along the edges. The seed kernel inside is mealy in texture and tastes slightly bitter. It is currently widely cultivated in Henan, Jiangsu, Shandong, Guangxi, Hubei, Sichuan and other places in China.
2. Bai Guo is the round fruit produced after female and male ginkgo trees are fertilized. It is rich in protein, vitamins, carotene, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and many other elements. It has the effects of protecting the liver, beautifying the skin, and anti-aging, and is suitable for men, women, the elderly and children alike.
3. Bai Guo is a highly nutritious food that combines both food and medicinal uses, but it contains a certain amount of toxicity, so putting just a few pieces into congee or soup is enough. When steaming or boiling, it must be cooked thoroughly, and when eating, it should be consumed in several small portions so that poisoning does not occur. Children in particular had best not eat it, to avoid physical discomfort caused by poisoning.
2. What Is the Difference Between Bai Guo and Pistachios?
Difference 1: Different family and genus. Bai Guo is the dried mature seed of the ginkgo plant, which belongs to the class Ginkgoopsida, order Ginkgoales, family Ginkgoaceae, genus Ginkgo. Pistachio is the mature fruit of the pistachio tree, a deciduous small tree in the class Dicotyledoneae, order Sapindales, family Anacardiaceae, genus Pistacia.
Difference 2: Different appearance. Bai Guo is about 2 cm long and about 1.5 cm wide, oval in shape, with a smooth, hard surface that is yellow-white or egg-yolk brown, and 2 to 3 ridge lines along the edges. The seed kernel inside is mealy and tastes slightly bitter. Pistachio is about 1.8 cm long and about 1 cm wide, ovate or broadly ovate in shape, usually with a pointed tip and rounded end, with easily splitting husks. Inside is an ovate or oval nut whose surface is gray-brown or purplish, with a pale green interior and a fragrant smell.
Difference 3: Different growing environments. Bai Guo has a wide growing range and can grow in hills, plains and other places. It is currently planted in more than 60 provinces and cities in China. Pistachios are suitable for planting in mountainous areas with ample sunlight, and in China they are mostly grown in Xinjiang.
Difference 4: Different nutritional value. Bai Guo is rich in protein, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, iron and other substances. Every 100 g contains 13.2 g of protein, 24.7 mg of vitamin E, 54 mg of calcium, 23 mg of phosphorus, and 355 kcal of calories. Pistachios are rich in vitamin A, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus and other elements. Every 100 g contains 20μg of vitamin A, 52μg of folic acid, 970 mg of potassium, and 440 mg of phosphorus, and also contains substances such as niacin and pantothenic acid.
Difference 5: Different effects. Bai Guo has the effects of warming the lungs, stopping diarrhea, and benefiting the spleen. Passion fruit has the effects of warming the kidneys, tonifying the spleen, and regulating qi, and can effectively treat anemia, chronic diarrhea and dysentery, malnutrition and other diseases.
Difference 6: Different ways of eating. Bai Guo is mostly made into dishes and eaten after being stir-fried, and of course it can also be used to make congee or tangyuan. Pistachios are eaten directly.
The above is a detailed introduction to what Bai Guo is and the differences between it and pistachios. We hope it is helpful to everyone.