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?

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?

Ginkgo Biloba