Acorn – quercus edulis

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Acorn – quercus edulis

By goodadmin | March 8, 2008

Acorn, (edible) – quercus edulis- is a handsome evergreen nut tree, native to Mediterranean, which grows up to 7meters tall. The dark green laurel-like leaves make it the most unlike looking member of the entire oak family. Flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same tree. It produces large quantities of long and slender some times sweet acorns.

The acorn is a hardy tree and it will grow well in most soils. It prefers light, sandy, medium loamy soils. Neutral, basic or acid types of soil are not a problem however it requires moist and medium drainage. Acorns can grow in semi-shade or full sun.

Acorn nuts are bitter to a greater or less extent owing to tannins in them. They have to be “processed” first before they can be eaten by humans through a leaching process. The whole acorns are dried, the husks removed and the kernels are ground into flour prior to soaking in water. It’s then used raw or cooked. The kernels may be roasted to a darker brown to make ersatz coffee. Acorns yield edible oil very similar to that of olive oil.

Propagation is by seeds best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Germination takes place in late winter or early spring. When they are large enough 15cm tall they can be planted out into their permanent positions. Give them good mulch and some protection from the cold for their first couple of years.

acorns

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