When are ginkgo nuts ripe for picking?

Ginkgo nuts , also known as gingko nuts , are the dried and mature seeds of Ginkgo biloba, a plant of the Ginkgoaceae family. It is a common food ingredient that can be used as both medicine and food, known as the "fruit of longevity" and is very popular in the market. So when are ginkgo nuts ripe for picking? Let’s go together below.

When are ginkgo nuts ripe for picking?

The ripening period of ginkgo nuts is usually between September and October, when the fruit gradually changes from green to yellow and the shell becomes hard. This period is the best time to pick ginkgo nuts. If picked too early, the quality of the fruit will be affected; picking too late may cause the fruit to fall or rot.

How to pick ginkgo nuts correctly?

1. Picking method

1. Manual picking method

For shorter ginkgo trees , you can pick the fruits directly by hand or shake the branches to make the fruits fall.

2. Natural shedding method

After the ginkgo fruit is ripe, wait for it to fall off naturally and then pick it up from the ground. This method is suitable for when the fruit is fully ripe and the fruit stalk has formed a separation layer.

3. Bamboo pole beating method

Use a long bamboo pole to gently tap the branches to make the ripe ginkgo nuts fall. This method is suitable for ginkgo trees that are tall and difficult to pick directly. Be careful with the force when knocking to avoid damaging branches and unripe fruits.

4. Sickle picking method

Use a bamboo pole or sickle with an iron hook to hook onto the branch and shake it gently to make the fruits fall. This method is suitable for higher branches and can reduce damage to the tree.

5. Chemical ripening method

About a week before picking, spraying chemicals such as ethephon on the tree crown can promote fruit ripening and shedding. However, this method needs to be used with caution and should be operated strictly in accordance with the instructions for the pesticide to avoid adverse effects on the trees and the environment.

2. Precautions

1. During the picking process, be gentle and avoid using rough methods to avoid damaging the fruit and affecting the quality.

2. After picking, the ginkgo fruit needs to have its flesh and skin removed, and the edible white core part taken out, commonly known as "gingko nut". It is best to wear gloves when removing the pulp and peel to avoid an allergic reaction on your skin.

3. After picking, it needs to be cleaned and stored in time. When storing, the storage temperature of ginkgo nuts should be between 0℃-5℃ and the relative humidity should be around 80% to ensure that the quality and nutrients are not lost.

Generally speaking, the ripe picking period of ginkgo nuts is generally between September and October. There are many ways to pick them, and you can choose the method that suits you according to the actual situation. In addition, during the picking process, care should be taken to protect the ginkgo trees and fruits to avoid causing unnecessary damage.