Ginkgo -- Harvesting

Unfortunately, the female tree will produce a fruit coating surrounding the nut. When ripe, the fruit falls from the tree and proceeds to rot immediately, producing an odor similar to a sick school kid.

Squirrels seem oblivious to the smell and harvest the nuts quickly.

Harvest the nuts. Let dry several weeks in a well-ventilated location. Crack and roast like almonds or sunflower seeds.