Can you eat fresh ginkgo nuts?
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5 min read
While prized in Asian cuisine for their distinct texture and flavor, ginkgo nuts are highly toxic when fresh and raw, and can even be lethal if consumed improperly. The raw nuts contain a neurotoxin known as ginkgotoxin (4'-methoxypyridoxine) which disrupts the body's vitamin B6 metabolism and can cause convulsions and death. Proper processing and cooking are essential to reduce their toxicity, and consumption must always be limited to small quantities.
