Ginkgo Nuts in Japan: I Went Ginkgo Nut Picking!

 Autumn in Japan is beautiful. The ginkgo trees turn bright yellow, and the streets look wonderful with all those golden leaves.

But there is one thing about ginkgo trees that isn't so wonderful: the smell of ginkgo nuts!

I went ginkgo nut picking recently. It was only the second time in my life that I had done this. I don't go out to collect ginkgo nuts every year, so this was a little autumn adventure for me.

Illustration note: The Japanese text “ぎんなんひろってきた” means “I went ginkgo nut picking!” It's a casual, friendly way to describe going out to collect ginkgo nuts.

Ginkgo Nuts: A Japanese Autumn Treat

Ginkgo nuts are called ginnan (ぎんなん) in Japanese. In English, they are commonly known as ginkgo nuts or ginkgo seeds.

In Japan, people eat ginkgo nuts in dishes such as chawanmushi, a savory Japanese egg custard, or enjoy them roasted with a little salt.

I don't eat them very often myself, though. This was only the second time I had ever gone out to pick them!

I wonder how many people in other countries have tried ginkgo nuts. They are used in some Asian cuisines, but they aren't an everyday food for everyone in the English-speaking world.

Have you ever eaten ginkgo nuts?

Beautiful Yellow Leaves, Terrible Smell!

One of the best things about autumn in Japan is seeing the ginkgo trees turn yellow.

The bright golden leaves are beautiful. I love the way they transform the scenery and make an ordinary street look special.

But then you notice the fallen fruit on the ground.

And the smell...

Oh, that smell!

Ginkgo nuts really stink! Haha.

The fruit surrounding the seed has a very strong, unpleasant smell. It's hard to believe that such a beautiful tree can produce something that smells so terrible.

I love looking at the yellow leaves, but I could definitely do without the smell!

Picking Ginkgo Nuts Takes Some Work

Picking up ginkgo nuts is one thing. Getting them ready to eat is another.

The fleshy outer part needs to be removed, and the seeds must be cleaned and dried before they can be stored or prepared for cooking.

And because that outer fruit smells so bad, handling it isn't exactly a pleasant experience.

The fruit can also irritate the skin, so gloves are important when handling freshly fallen ginkgo fruit.

Ginkgo nuts should also be eaten in moderation because eating too many can cause poisoning.

Would I Go Ginkgo Nut Picking Again?

This was my second time collecting ginkgo nuts, and I don't do it every year.

Still, it was a nice way to enjoy a little piece of autumn in Japan.

The yellow leaves are lovely, and collecting something edible from nature feels special.

But that smell...

Let's just say that beautiful autumn scenery comes with a price!

Have you ever seen ginkgo trees turning yellow in autumn? And if you've tried ginkgo nuts, what did you think of their smell?

I'd love to hear about your experiences!