The fruits of the oak tree are the well-known and popular acorns. Each of them contains a seed that, under ideal conditions, germinates and produces a new tree. But for us humans, the acorns also have other advantages.

Acorns often germinate on their own

The characteristics of the acorns

The acorns of the oak are among the nut fruits. There are many oak species worldwide, all of which produce similar fruits or seeds. Below are the typical features of the English oak, which is the most widespread in this country:

  • 2 to 3.5 cm long
  • cylindrical
  • initially greenish, later dark brown
  • fresh acorns have vertical stripes
  • are also often wrinkled
  • one third is covered by fruit cups

Shape, size and weight can vary not only for individual oak species or different trees. Different specimens can even mature on one tree.

Manhood and seed years

An oak tree does not reach maturity, the ability to bear fruit and set seed, until it is 60 to 80 years old. Even after that, seed formation is subject to strong fluctuations. Seed years, when the tree bears abundant fruit, can occur every 2 to 7 years.

ripening time of the fruit

The acorns are ripe in September or October and fall to the ground. It should be noted that some species need two years to mature. Each specimen contains one seed, occasionally two.

After the acorns have fallen from the tree, they remain viable for about half a year. So far, no method has been developed to keep them viable for more than a year.

If you make one yourself from one of the acorns
If you want to draw oak, you should make sure that it is undamaged. It should also be neither moldy nor have holes.

The ideal time for seed sowing

The acorn is best planted in a pot in spring. Until then, it comes in a bag with sawdust and is stored cool in the fridge. To be on the safe side, select several acorns at the same time so that you are sure to have a usable specimen at hand in spring.

use in the kitchen

If you have an old oak tree in your garden, you will surely be able to pick up plenty of acorns from the ground every year. While everyone knows their suitability as a handicraft material and animal feed, they are hardly ever used as a cooking ingredient.

The small acorns are edible along with the seeds they contain, but they must first lose their bitter substances. In the past, it was used to make an alternative to coffee or to bake acorn bread.

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Trees