Ginkgo Biloba

 
Ingredient Name:  Ginkgo Biloba, Maidenhair Tree
 
Traditional Chinese Name: 白果 (bái guǒ), 銀果 (yínguǒ)
 
What is this?
  • The internal seed of the Gingkos trees (usually peeled and cored)
  • Extremely common in western cultures used as supplements (usually in powder or pill form)
  • Very commonly found in Asian countries and believed to have originated in China
  • Seeds are similar size and shapes to almonds and are pale-yellow / beige in colour 

How do I prepare it?

  • If using fresh ginkgo bilobas, break shell, boil in hot water for about 5-8 minutes (or until cooked) and immediately remove the outer skin while still warm
  • Use a toothpick to poke out the internal part of the seed (long portion – which is bitter)
  • For pre-cooked and packaged ginkgo bilobas, simply wash in cool water and use

Where can I buy this?

  • You can purchase fresh seeds (that required boiling and peeling) from Asian supermarkets
  • They also come in pre-packaged (peeled and cooked) for your cooking convenience

What is the cost?

  • One pack of around 20 seeds cost around $10 HKD from the wet mart

Any benefits?

  • Beneficial to memory and used as a concentration enhancer
  • Ideal for increasing blood flow and kill free radicals in the body (that cause aging and heart diseases)

Any precautions?

  • Pregnant women should NOT consume gingko biloba seeds as it can potentially harm the fetus
  • Children should also avoid high consumption of seeds as it is said to be poisonous
  • May cause dizziness and headaches
  • Should not be consumed by people who have allergies to poison ivy or mangos

References?