If it is hot out, lay the cookie sheets in the sun. To avoid rotting, it’s very important that the acorns dry fully. Spread tannin-free acorns to dry on cookie sheets in a warm place. This process may take several days, depending on how long it takes for all the tannins to leach out of the acorn meat. Change the water when it turns a darker color. Alternatively, you can soak the raw acorns in cold water to leach the tannins out.This may take an hour or more, depending on the variety of acorn. Repeat the process without interruption (do not let the acorns cool) until the water boils clear. Discard the dark water from the first pot, then refill it and bring the water to a boil again. Strain the nuts through a colander and drop the strained nuts into the second pot of boiling water. Drop the raw, shell-less acorns into one pot and boil until the water is the color of strong tea. It sounds like a pain, but it’s really not that difficult. Do not eat the raw meat of the acorns yet.Īcorns contain bitter-tasting tannins, so you must prepare, treat, and cook the nuts before you eat them. Remove the shells and caps from your acorns with a nutcracker (or a hammer, if necessary).Set the colander aside to let the acorns air-dry, or simply dry them by hand with a dish towel.Place the acorns in a colander and run them under the tap for a minute or two to dislodge any loose dirt or hitchhiking bugs.
Place them in a pot or bowl and fill it with water, then remove and dispose of any floating acorns, as they have likely gone bad.
Give acorns a quick rinse in cool water.If you’re willing to wait, consider harvesting acorns this year and storing them in a cool, dry place until next fall, when they’ll be fully dried and easier to work with. Green acorns are not yet mature and shouldn’t be used. When gathering acorns, look for brown, fully mature acorns that still have their caps, as those without caps are more susceptible to infestation by worms and other critters. Oak trees are easily identifiable-they’re the ones with all the acorns around them! Jokes aside, oaks have fairly distinctive leaves and bark look up which species of oak trees are common in your area to know exactly what signs to look for.Īcorns are typically harvested between September and November, when they fall from the trees and become easily accessible to deer, squirrels, and resourceful humans. See more ideas below! Where and When to Find AcornsĪcorns come from oak trees, which can be found across North America. While most folks use acorns to make a nutrient-rich, nutty-flavored flour, you can also eat acorns as roasted nuts (they are a lot like chestnuts). Acorns have been a staple of diets around the world and across cultures, including among some Native American peoples.
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