The acorn is a nut that has been eaten by humans for centuries. It can be used as the base in baking flours, or it can be roasted or boiled like other nuts. Acorns are high in protein, complex carbohydrates and also fiber. Acorns are a great food to include in your diet if you want to maintain good health! I know we usually think of cute little squirrels when an acorn comes to mind, but they are not the only ones that can enjoy these delicious treats.
Can you eat acorns? It is a question that many people ask. The answer to this question is yes! Acorns can be eaten, however you need to prepare them properly. You should consider either soaking or boiling them first. This will help reduce the tannins present in the nut. Tannins in large doses are toxic and could be very dangerous to your health.
What do Acorns Taste Like?
So what exactly do acorns taste like? Acorns may vary slightly in flavor depending on where they grow. They range from sweet to bitter and are usually quite mild tasting. The mild nutty taste of an individual acorn can also depend on when it was harvested. Green acorns tend to have more bitterness than freshly ripened ones.
Acorns from a white oak tree are usually sweeter and contain less tannins than acorns from a red oak tree. The taste of an acorn can also depend on how they were prepared before eating them, such as boiling or roasting the nuts to remove tannic acid and make it more palatable for consumption in larger quantities.
They can be eaten raw without any preparation at all. However, if you choose to eat them raw, be sure to use moderation. As they could make you quite sick. No matter how you chose to prepare them, be sure to use fully ripened acorns (the brown ones). Do not attempt to consume them while they are green!
How Can You Eat Acorns?
Regardless of the type of oak tree your acorn comes from, it is important to know how you want your acorn before eating it. Some people like their acorns roasted, others prefer them raw. Others may even enjoy a nice hot bowl of oatmeal with the nutty flavor that only an oak tree can provide.
If roasting or boiling isn’t for someone’s taste then they might consider grinding up those little guys into flour which could be used in baking breads such as banana walnut loaf cake or chocolate chip cookies!
Or if you’re looking for a healthy snack, try making acorn chips by slicing the nut into thin slices and then baking them at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they are crispy and delicious!
Here’s a tip:
Just before taking them out of the oven…spray lightly with cooking spray and top with salt. Then pop them back into the oven for about 3-5 minutes. This makes them extra delicious!
If one doesn’t have any plans on cooking these babies right away there are other ways too preserve this tasty treat. Dry them out at room temperature until crunchy and dry. Store whole shelled kernels sealed tightly inside airtight containers in a cool place, but not refrigerated.
Acorn flour is gluten-free and high in protein, fiber (both soluble & insoluble), iron and calcium. It’s the perfect substitute if you’re looking for something new that packs some nutritional punch.
It has been used as food by Native Americans throughout North America, including those who lived on what would become known today as California’s Central Coast region. Acorn trees grew abundantly in this region. The Chumash people were said to have eaten them raw with honey, or roasted over coals until blackened and then ground into meal.
What are the Health Benefits of Acorns?
Because the tannins in acorns make it difficult for them to oxidize, they can be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. Tannic acid acts as an astringent by contracting tissues and will slow bleeding. When applied topically, it also provides some relief for hemorrhoids or varicose veins. Although I wouldn’t recommend using acorns for these conditions, was just state some medicinal uses of tannic acid lol.
Acorns also provide a good source of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Acorns are also a great way to get vitamin B6, Copper and Manganese. Who would of thought that acorns would be packed full of so many great vitamins and minerals!
They also contain a lot of fiber, which can help with constipation and other digestive issues. These tasty treats do contain a good amount of protein for those who are looking to add more into their diet as well.
So if you ever consider eating acorns, now you know that they are a great source of many nutrients and can be eaten in different ways. Acorn flour is also becoming more popular as an alternative to wheat or other grains for those who have gluten sensitivities.
