A Detailed Guide to the Correct Way to Handle Fresh Ginkgo Nuts

Ginkgo nuts generally refer to ginkgo fruit, also known as Gongsun fruit, which ripens around September and has high nutritional value. So what is the correct method for handling fresh ginkgo nuts?

How to handle fresh ginkgo nuts

1. Wash with clean water

Freshly picked ginkgo nuts should first be washed with clean water to remove surface dust, impurities and bacteria.

2. Soak in clean water

The toxic components of ginkgo nuts are easily soluble in water. Soaking them in clean water for more than 1 hour before eating can reduce their toxicity.

3. Remove the shells

Stand the ginkgo nut upright and tap the top with a knife or another blunt object such as a hammer, and it will crack open along a seam. Remove the shell. Bring water to a boil, add the kernels, boil for a short while, and stir with a bamboo chopstick for a moment; most of the red membrane can be removed this way, and the remaining red membrane can be peeled off while it is still hot.

4. Remove the core

There is a trick to removing the core from ginkgo nuts. Just find a toothpick, cut off both ends of the ginkgo nut, point the less sharp end of the toothpick at one end of the ginkgo nut, and then push it through the middle; the core of the ginkgo nut will obediently come out on its own.

Can ginkgo nuts be eaten raw?

Ginkgo nuts are not recommended to be eaten raw. This is because unripe ginkgo nuts are somewhat toxic, and even cooked ginkgo nuts can cause poisoning if eaten in excess.

What are the benefits and effects of ginkgo nuts?

1. Relieving illness and cough

Ginkgo nuts have the effect of relieving cough and illness, and they are very effective for colds and coughs. Ginkgo can also treat diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis, epilepsy, nervous headache and Meniere's syndrome.

2. Lowering blood serum and cholesterol

Ginkgo nuts have the effect of lowering blood serum and cholesterol, which is very good for health maintenance.