Content
- Acorns are the fruit of the oak tree
- This is how the fruits of the oak look
- Recognize ripe acorns
- Pull oak tree from acorns
- Do not eat acorns raw
- Acorns as pig feed
- Tips & Tricks
Acorns are the fruit of the oak tree
An oak tree bears numerous fruits in autumn, which are called acorns. These are nut fruits that are enclosed on one side by a cap. Acorns serve as animal feed or to draw new oak trees.
This is how the fruits of the oak look
The harvest time of the acorns starts in September. The fruits just fall to the ground.
The sprouting takes place next year. Acorns need a period of very low temperatures before they start to germinate.
Recognize ripe acorns
If you want to collect acorns in the forest to make your own oak tree, make sure they are ripe.
The ripe fruit of an oak indicates that it can be easily detached from the cap.
Mature acorns that are suitable for sowing have a medium brown, shiny outer skin. They are solid and have no holes.
Pull oak tree from acorns
The fruit of the oak is best picked directly from the tree and kept in the refrigerator for a longer time.
Then they are planted in a pot or in the field.
Alternatively, already germinated acorns can be dug up in the forest in spring.
Do not eat acorns raw
Acorns are very nutritious, but not enjoyable for people in raw condition. Because of their high content of tannic acid, they are toxic and trigger severe gastrointestinal complaints.
By watering the tannins can be dissolved out. Acorns can be processed for different purposes.
In times of need, acorns were ground to flour or served as a coffee substitute.
Acorns as pig feed
Pigs and forest animals, on the other hand, tolerate raw acorns well.
In the past, the fruit of the oak was therefore used for pig fattening. The pigs were driven into the forest in autumn and ate the glans there.
The pork should be very aromatic through the acorns. In Mediterranean countries pigs are still fattened today with the fruits of the cork oak.
Tips & Tricks
The bark of oaks is often used in natural medicine. It contains anti-inflammatory agents. Extracts from the bark are used as a bath additive for skin rashes and as a tea for the treatment of stomach problems.