The fruits of the common beech, called beechnuts, contain small amounts of toxins. A danger emanates above all from humans as well as horses and cattle. Forest animals, on the other hand, feed on the oily fruits in winter.
The beech nuts of the red beech are slightly poisonous when raw
What toxins do beechnuts contain?
The toxins found in beech nuts are fagin and oxalic acid. Both substances trigger slight symptoms of poisoning in people, which manifest themselves as nausea.
By heating or roasting the beechnuts, the toxins are neutralized and the fruit can be consumed without hesitation. They also take on flavor when heated.
The nuts contain a lot of oil. They are therefore a good winter food source for wildlife such as roe deer, deer, wild boar, as well as birds and squirrels.
tips
If there are beech trees next to horse pastures, animal owners must be careful that the horses do not eat beechnuts in autumn. Horses and cattle can become seriously ill if they eat them.