Content
- The use of beech as timber and food substitute
- The numerous uses of beech trees
- Bucheckern was eaten in times of need
- Use of the red beech as cattle feed
- European beech and its use as a remedy
- European beech is often used as firewood
- Tips
The beech wood is often used for furniture or as firewood
The use of beech as timber and food substitute
The use of European beech is versatile. It has a very high calorific value, so that the wood was formerly used primarily as firewood. In times of need, the fruits were used as food substitutes. The non-venomous leaves and shoots of beech trees were used as animal feed.
The numerous uses of beech trees
The wood of the beech is slightly reddish and its grain very even. That is why European beech is a popular wood for furniture. Many wooden toys for children are made from beech.
Red beech wood is not as stable and enduring as that of oaks or hornbeams, so its use as industrial wood is limited and only possible with appropriate impregnation.
Bucheckern was eaten in times of need
The fruits of the beech, the beechnuts, are slightly poisonous, but can be eaten roasted or heated. In times of need, the beechnuts were therefore collected and used to enrich the diet. They are very oily.
Use of the red beech as cattle feed
In the past the young shoots of the red beech were a popular cattle feed. So the shoots were dried with leaves and fed to the livestock in winter. In addition, the dried leaves gave a good litter for the barn.
In the spring, cows were given young redwood branches with leaves to encourage milk production.
European beech and its use as a remedy
The leaves of the beech are not poisonous. They contain substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Red beech was therefore previously used for dental problems by the leaves were chewed.
Red book leaves could also be used for the healing of ulcers. The rubbed leaves were applied as a compress on the affected areas.
European beech is often used as firewood
Red beech wood burns very evenly and long-lasting. It is therefore considered very good firewood. Charcoal for grilling is usually made of beech.
On beech wood roasted ham and fish are considered a delicacy because of the special aroma.
Tips
In the Middle Ages, beech was used for glassmaking. The so-called "green forest glass" consisted of beech ash and sand. For glass production, huge amounts of beechwood were needed, which led to the logging of huge beech forests.