The characteristics of the acorns
the Acorns the oak belong to the nut fruits. There are many around the world Oak speciesall of which have similar fruits or Form seeds. The following are the typical characteristics of the English oak that is most widespread in this country:
- 2 to 3.5 cm long
- cylindrical
- initially greenish, later dark brown
- fresh acorns have longitudinal stripes
- are often a bit wrinkled
- one third is encased in fruit cups
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Shape, size and weight cannot only vary with individual oak species or different trees. Different specimens can mature even on one tree.
Manhood and seed years
An oak only reaches manhood, the ability to bear fruit and form seeds, at an age of 60 to 80 years. Even after that, the seed formation is subject to strong fluctuations. Seed years, when the tree is abundantly adorned with fruit, can occur every 2 to 7 years.
Ripe time of the fruits
The acorns are ripe in September or October and fall to the ground. It should be noted here that some species take two years to mature. Each specimen contains one seed, and 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 longer than a year.
If you make one from one of the acorns yourself
Pulling oak then you should make sure that it is undamaged. It should also neither mold nor have holes.
The ideal time to sow seeds
The acorn is best planted in a pot in spring. Until then, it comes with you in a bag sawdust and is stored cool in the refrigerator. To be on the safe side, select several acorns so that you will have a usable specimen on hand in spring.
Use in the kitchen
If you have an old Oak tree in the garden you will surely be able to pick up plenty of acorns from the ground every year. While their suitability as handicraft material and animal feed is known to everyone, they are rarely used as a cooking ingredient.
The small acorns and the seeds they contain are edible, but must first lose their bitter substances. It used to be used as an alternative to coffee or baked acorn bread.