Ginkgo Nuts (Ginkgo biloba), Silver Apricot

The ginkgo tree was originally a sacred Chinese tree but it now grows in Japan and other parts of the world. The nuts, the seeds of the ginkgo fruit, have to be cracked and peeled. Unfortunately, the flesh inside the beige shell seems to dry up easily, with the result that exported nuts are often rotten and hard inside. It is therefore advisable to use canned ginkgo nuts. Mild and tender, they are a favourite of vegetarians, providing a viscous texture to a dish.