The fruits of the oak are the well-known and popularly collected acorns. Each of them contains a seed that germinates under ideal conditions and produces a new tree. But for us humans, acorns also have other advantages.
What is contained in acorns and how long are they able to germinate?
Oak trees produce acorns as fruits, which contain one or two edible seeds. Ripe acorns fall to the ground in September or October and remain viable for about six months. Acorns can be used in the kitchen after their bitter substances have been removed.
The characteristics of acorns
Oak acorns are nuts. There are many oak species around the world, all of which produce similar fruits or seeds. Below are the typical characteristics of the common oak, which is the most widespread in this country:
- 2 to 3.5 cm long
- roll-shaped
- initially greenish, later dark brown
- fresh acorns have longitudinal stripes
- are often a bit wrinkled
- a third is covered in fruit cups
Shape, size and weight can vary not only with individual oak species or different trees. Even on one tree different specimens can grow.
Manhood and seed years
An oak tree only reaches manhood, the ability to bear fruit and form seeds, at an age of 60 to 80 years. Even then, seed formation is subject to strong fluctuations. Seed years, in which the tree is abundantly decorated with fruit, can occur every 2 to 7 years.
Fruit ripening time
The acorns are ripe in September or October and fall to the ground. It should be noted that some species require two years to mature. Each specimen contains one seed, occasionally two.
After the acorns fall from the tree, they remain viable for about six months. To date, no method has been developed to keep them viable for longer than a year.
If you want to grow an oak yourself from one of the acorns, then you should make sure that it is undamaged. It should neither mold nor have holes.
The ideal time for sowing seeds
The acorn is best planted in a pot in spring. Until then it goes into a bag with sawdust and is stored cool in the refrigerator. To be on the safe side, select several acorns at the same time so that you are sure to have a usable specimen on hand in the spring.
Use in the kitchen
If you have an old oak tree in your garden, you will certainly be able to collect plenty of acorns from the ground every year. While everyone knows their suitability as craft materials and animal feed, they are rarely used as cooking ingredients anymore.
The small acorns and the seeds they contain are edible, 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.
